History says that human civilization has always been accompanied by enmity. Some types of social conflicts affected a particular people, city, country or even continent. Smaller were the disagreements between people, but each species was a folk problem. So, already ancient people aspired to live in a world where such concepts as social conflict, their types and causes, would be unknown. The people did everything to realize the dreams of a society without conflicts.

As a result of painstaking and laborious work, a state began to be created, which was supposed to extinguish various types of social conflicts. To this end, a large number of regulatory laws have been issued. Years passed, and scientists continued to come up with models of an ideal society without conflicts. Of course, all these discoveries were only a theory, because all attempts were doomed to failure, and sometimes became the causes of even greater aggression.

Social conflict as part of the doctrine

Disagreements between people, as part of social relations, were highlighted by Adam Smith. In his opinion, it was the social conflict that was the reason why the population began to be divided into social classes. But there was also a positive side. After all, thanks to the conflicts that arose, the population could discover a lot of new things and find ways to help get out of the situation that had arisen.

German sociologists were sure that conflicts are characteristic of all peoples and nationalities. After all, in every society there are individuals who want to elevate themselves and their interests above their social environment. Therefore, there is a division of the level of human interest in a particular issue, as well as class inequality.

But American sociologists in their works mentioned that without conflicts, social life would be monotonous, devoid of interpersonal interaction. At the same time, only the members of the society themselves are able to kindle enmity, control it, and put it out in the same way.

Conflict and the modern world

Today, not a single day of human life is practically complete without a conflict of interests. Such skirmishes can affect absolutely any sphere of life. As a result, various types and forms of social conflict arise.

So, social conflict is the last stage of the clash of different views on one situation. Social conflict, the types of which we will consider next, can become a large-scale problem. So, because of not sharing interests or the opinions of others, family and even national contradictions appear. As a result, the type of conflict may change, depending on the scale of the action.

If you try to decipher the concept and types of social conflicts, you can clearly see that the meaning of this term is much broader than it seems initially. There are many interpretations of one term, because each nationality understands it in its own way. But it is based on the same meaning, namely the clash of interests, opinions and even goals of people. For a better perception, we can assume that any kind of social conflicts - this is another form of human relations in society.

Functions of social conflict

As you can see, the concept of social conflict and its components were defined long before modern times. It was then that the conflict was endowed with certain functions, thanks to which its significance for social society is clearly visible.

So there are several important functions:

1. Signal.
2. Informational.
3. Differentiating.
4. Dynamic.

The meaning of the first is immediately indicated by its name. Therefore, it is understandable that due to the nature of the conflict, it is possible to determine what state the society is in and what it wants. Sociologists are sure that if people start a conflict, then there are certain reasons and unresolved problems. Therefore, it is regarded as a kind of signal that it is urgent to act and do something.

Informational - has a meaning similar to the previous function. Information about the conflict is of great importance on the way to determining the causes of the occurrence. By processing such data, the government studies the essence of all events taking place in society.

Thanks to the third function, society acquires a certain structure. Thus, when a conflict arises that affects the public interest, even those who would previously prefer not to intervene take part in it. There is a division of the population into certain social groups.

The fourth function was discovered during the worship of the teachings of Marxism. It is believed that it is she who plays the role of the engine in all social processes.

Reasons why conflicts arise

The reasons are quite obvious and understandable, even if we consider only the definition of social conflicts. Everything is hidden precisely in different views on actions. Indeed, often some try to impose their ideas by all means, even if they cause damage to others. This happens when there are several options for using one item.

The types of social conflicts vary, depending on many factors, such as scale, theme, nature, and more. So, even family disagreements have the character of a social conflict. After all, when a husband and wife share a TV, trying to watch different channels, a dispute arises on the basis of a clash of interests. To solve such a problem, two TVs are needed, then there might not have been a conflict.

According to sociologists, conflicts in society cannot be avoided, because proving one's point of view is a natural desire of a person, which means that nothing can change this. They also concluded that social conflict, the types of which are not dangerous, can even be beneficial for society. After all, this is how people learn not to perceive others as enemies, become closer and begin to respect each other's interests.

Components of the conflict

Any conflict includes two mandatory components:

• the reason for the disagreement is called the object;
• people whose interests clashed in a dispute - they are also subjects.

There are no restrictions on the number of participants in the dispute;

The reason for the conflict may appear in the literature as an incident.

By the way, the conflict that has arisen does not always have an open form. It also happens that the clash of different ideas has become the cause of resentment, which is part of what is happening. This is how various types of socio-psychological conflicts arise, which have a latent form and can be called "frozen" conflicts.

Types of social conflicts

Knowing what a conflict is, what are its causes and components, we can distinguish the main types of social conflicts. They are defined by:

1. Duration and nature of development:

• temporary;
• long;
• randomly generated;
• specially organized.

2. Capture scale:

• global - concerning the whole world;
• local - affecting a separate part of the world;
• regional - between neighboring countries;
• group - between certain groups;
• personal - family conflict, dispute with neighbors or friends.

3. The goals of the conflict and methods of resolution:

• violent street fight, obscene scandal;
• wrestling by the rules, cultural conversation.

4. Number of participants:

• personal (occur in mentally ill people);
• interpersonal (clash of interests of different people, for example, brother and sister);
• intergroup (contradiction in the interests of different social associations);

• people of the same level;
• people of different social levels, positions;
• those and others.

There are many different classifications and divisions that are considered arbitrary. Thus, the first 3 types of social conflicts can be considered key.

Solving problems that cause social conflict

Reconciliation of hostile parties is the main task of the state legislature. It is clear that it is impossible to avoid all conflicts, but it is necessary to try to avoid at least the most serious ones: global, local and regional. Given the types of conflicts, social relations between the warring parties can be established in several ways.

Ways to resolve conflict situations:

1. An attempt to get away from the scandal - one of the participants can isolate themselves from the conflict, transferring it to a "frozen" state.

2. Conversation - it is necessary to discuss the problem that has arisen and jointly find its solution.

3. Involve a third party.

4. Postpone the dispute for a while. Most often this is done when the facts run out. The adversary yields to interests temporarily in order to collect more evidence of his innocence. Most likely, the conflict will resume.

5. Resolution of conflicts that have arisen through the courts, in accordance with the legal framework.

To reconcile the parties to the conflict, it is necessary to find out the cause, purpose and interest of the parties. Also important is the mutual desire of the parties to come to a peaceful resolution of the situation. Then you can look for ways to overcome the conflict.

Stages of conflict

Like any other process, the conflict has certain stages of development. The first stage is considered to be the time immediately before the conflict. It is at this moment that the collision of subjects occurs. Disputes arise because of different opinions about one subject or situation, but at this stage it is possible to prevent the incitement of an immediate conflict.

If one of the parties does not yield to the opponent, then the second stage will follow, which has the character of a debate. Here, each side is furiously trying to prove its case. Due to the great tension, the situation escalates and after a certain time passes into the stage of direct conflict.

Examples of social conflicts in world history

The main three types of social conflicts can be demonstrated by the examples of long-standing events that left their mark on the life of the population then and influenced modern life.

Thus, one of the most striking and well-known examples of global social conflict are the First and Second World Wars. Almost all existing countries took part in this conflict, in history these events remained the largest military-political clashes of interests. Because the war was fought on three continents and four oceans. Only in this conflict was the most terrible nuclear weapon used.

This is the strongest, and most importantly known example of global social conflicts. After all, peoples that were previously considered fraternal fought against each other. There are no more such terrible examples in world history.

Much more information is available directly about inter-regional and group conflicts. So, during the transition of power to the kings, the living conditions of the population also changed. Every year more and more public discontent grew, protests and political tensions appeared. Many moments did not suit the people, without clarifying which it was impossible to strangle the popular uprising. The more in tsarist Russia the authorities tried to crush the interests of the population, the more conflict situations on the part of disgruntled residents of the country intensified.

Over time, more and more people became convinced of the infringement of their interests, so the social conflict gained momentum and changed the opinions of others. The more people became disillusioned with the authorities, the closer the mass conflict approached. It was with such actions that most of the civil wars against the political interests of the country's leadership began.

Already during the reign of the kings, there were prerequisites for the beginning of social conflicts on the basis of dissatisfaction with political work. It is these situations that confirm the existence of problems that were caused by dissatisfaction with the existing standards of life. And it was the social conflict that was the reason to move on, to develop and improve politics, laws and government abilities.

Summing up

Social conflicts are an integral part of modern society. The disagreements that arose even under the tsarist regime are a necessary part of our current life, because, perhaps, it is thanks to those events that we have the opportunity, maybe not enough, but still it is better to live. It was only thanks to our ancestors that society moved from slavery to democracy.

Today, it is better to take personal and group types of social conflicts as a basis, examples of which are very often encountered in our lives. We face contradictions in family life, looking at simple everyday issues from different points of view, we defend our opinion, and all these events seem to be simple, ordinary things. That is why social conflict is so multifaceted. Therefore, everything that concerns him needs to be studied more and more.

Of course, everyone keeps saying that conflict is bad, that you can’t compete and live by your own rules. But, on the other hand, disagreements are not so bad, especially if they are resolved at the initial stages. After all, it is precisely because of the emergence of conflicts that society develops, moves forward and seeks to change the existing order. Even if the result leads to material and moral losses.

Lecture:

social conflict

Despite the fact that conflicts leave unpleasant memories, it is completely impossible to avoid them, because this is one of the ways people interact. In the process of his life, a person finds himself in various conflict situations that arise even for a minor reason.

social conflict is a way of social interaction, which consists in the clash and confrontation of opposing interests, goals and methods of action individuals or groups.

According to their attitude to the conflict, people were divided into two groups. Some perceive it as stress and seek to eliminate the causes of the conflict. Others consider it a natural and inevitable form of human relations and are convinced that a person should be able to be in it without experiencing excessive tension and excitement.

The subjects of the conflict are not only the warring parties themselves, but also

• instigators who encourage people to conflict,
• accomplices, pushing participants with their advice, technical assistance to conflict actions,
• mediators seeking to prevent, stop or resolve conflict,

witnesses watching events from the sidelines.

The subject of social conflict is any issue or benefit (money, power, legal status, etc.). BUT causes lie in social circumstances. For example, unfavorable working conditions can become a cause of conflict between an employee and an employer. Conflict is based on objective or subjective contradictions. The former, unlike the latter, are conditioned by processes that do not depend on the will and consciousness of the parties. Any minor occasion, arising by chance or created on purpose.

Consequences of social conflict

Despite the undesirability of conflicts, they still perform the functions necessary for society. Social conflicts are positive if

• inform about the soreness of any part of the social system, about the existence of social tension and mobilize to solve existing problems;
• stimulate changes and renewal of social relations, social institutions or the entire social system as a whole;
• strengthen group cohesion or encourage actors in the conflict to cooperate.

negative parties to the conflict are

creation of stressful situations;

destabilization of social life;

distraction from the solution of their official tasks.

Types of social conflict

Types of social conflicts
By duration	short-term, long-term and long-term
By frequency	one-time and recurring
By level of organization	individual, group, regional, local and global
By type of relationship	intrapersonal, interpersonal, intergroup and international
By content	economic, political, legal, labor, family, ideological, religious, etc.
By factors	rational and emotional
According to the degree of openness	hidden and obvious
By shape	internal (with oneself) and external (with other people)

Stages of social conflict

In its development, social conflict goes through four stages or stages:

The conflict starts with pre-conflict situation consisting of two phases. In the latent (latent) phase, the conflict situation is just being formed, and in the open phase, the parties are aware of the emergence of a conflict situation and feel tension.

The next step is actual conflict . This is the main stage of the conflict, which also consists of two phases. In the first phase, the parties develop a psychological attitude to fight, they openly defend their rightness and seek to suppress the enemy. And the surrounding people (instigators, accomplices, mediators, witnesses) by their actions form the conditions for the course of the conflict. They can escalate, contain conflict, or remain neutral. In the second phase, there is a turning point and a reassessment of values. At this phase, there are several options for the behavior of the parties to the conflict: bringing it to the peak of tension, mutual concessions, or complete resolution.

The choice of the third variant of behavior indicates the transition of the conflict to completion stage confrontation.

Post-conflict stage characterized by the final settlement of contradictions and the peaceful interaction of the parties to the conflict.

Ways to resolve social conflicts

What are the ways to resolve the conflict? There are several of them:

• Avoidance- avoidance of the conflict, silence of the problem (this method does not resolve the conflict, but only temporarily softens or delays it).

• Compromise- solution of the problem through mutual concessions that satisfy all the warring parties.

• Negotiation- peaceful exchange of proposals, opinions, arguments aimed at finding a joint solution to an existing problem.

• Mediation- involvement of a third party to resolve the conflict.

• Arbitration- an appeal to an authoritative authority endowed with special powers and complying with legislative norms (for example, the administration of an institution, a court).

The social heterogeneity of society, the difference in income levels, power, prestige, etc. often leads to social conflicts.

They are an integral part of social life and are always associated with the subjective consciousness of people, the inconsistency of their interests of certain social groups. Aggravations of contradiction give rise to open or closed conflicts only when they are deeply experienced by people and are realized as incompatibility of goals and interests.

Conflict- this is a clash of opposing goals, opinions, interests, positions of opponents or subjects of interaction.

social conflict- this is a confrontation between individuals or groups pursuing socially significant goals. It occurs when one side seeks to realize its goals or interests to the detriment of the other.

English sociologist E. Giddens gave the following definition of conflict: "by social conflict, I understand the real struggle between acting people or groups, regardless of what the sources of this struggle are, its methods and means mobilized by each side."

Conflict is a ubiquitous phenomenon. Every society, every social group, social community is subject to conflicts to one degree or another.

In science, there is a special branch of sociological knowledge that directly studies this social phenomenon - conflictology.

The main subjects of conflicts are social groups, since their needs, claims, goals can only be realized through the use of power. That is why such political forces as the state apparatus, political parties, parliamentary groups, factions, “influence groups”, etc. take part in conflicts. It is they who are the spokesmen for the will of large social groups and the main bearers of social interests.

In conflictology, much attention is paid to the concept of the strength of the participants in a social conflict.

Force- this is the ability of the opponent to realize his goal against the will of the interaction partner. It includes a number of different components:

1) physical force, including technical means used as an instrument of violence;

2) an information-civilizational form of the use of social force, requiring the collection of facts, statistical data, analysis of documents, study of expert materials in order to ensure complete knowledge about the essence of the conflict, about one’s opponent in order to develop a strategy and tactics of behavior, use materials that discredit the opponent, etc. d.;

3) social status, expressed in socially recognized indicators (income, level of power, prestige, etc.);

4) other resources - money, territory, time limit, psychological resource, etc.

The stage of conflict behavior is characterized by the maximum use of force by the participants in the conflict, the use of all means at their disposal. A significant influence on the development of the conflict is exerted by the surrounding social environment, which determines the conditions in which the social conflict proceeds.

It can act either as a source of external support for the participants in the conflict, or as a deterrent, or as a neutral factor.

Social conflict usually goes through major stages.

In conflictology, it is customary to distinguish the following stages of the course of the conflict:

1) a hidden stage, at which the contradictions between the participants in the conflict are not yet recognized and are manifested only in explicit or implicit dissatisfaction with the situation;

2) the formation of a conflict - a clear understanding of the claims, which, as a rule, are expressed to the opposite side in the form of demands;

3) incident - an event that takes the conflict to the stage of active actions;

4) active actions of the parties that contribute to the achievement of the highest point of the conflict, after which it subsides;

5) the end of the conflict, and it is not always carried out by satisfying the claims of the parties.

It is also necessary to remember that at any of these stages, the conflict can end either independently, or by agreement of the parties, or with the participation of a third party.

2. Types of conflicts

In modern sociological literature, there are many classifications of types of conflicts on various grounds.

From the point of view of the subjects entering into the conflict, four types of conflicts can be distinguished:

1) intrapersonal (may take the following forms: role - occurs when conflicting requirements are made to one person about what the result of his work should be; intrapersonal - can also arise as a result of the fact that production requirements are not consistent with personal needs or values );

2) interpersonal (can manifest itself as a clash of personalities with different character traits, attitudes, values ​​and is the most common);

3) between the individual and the group (occurs if the individual takes a position that differs from the position of the group);

4) intergroup.

Conflicts can be classified by spheres of life into political, socio-economic, national-ethnic and others.

Political- these are conflicts over the distribution of power, dominance, influence, authority. They arise from the clash of different interests, rivalry and struggle in the process of acquiring, redistributing and exercising political and state power.

Political conflicts are associated with consciously formulated goals aimed at winning leading positions in institutions in the structures of political power. The main political conflicts are:

1) between branches of government;

2) inside the parliament;

3) between political parties and movements;

4) between various links of the administrative apparatus.

Socio-economic- these are conflicts over the means of subsistence, the level of wages, the use of professional and intellectual potential, the level of prices for goods and services, access to the distribution of material and spiritual wealth.

National-ethnic- these are conflicts that arise in the course of the struggle for the rights and interests of ethnic and national groups.

According to the classification D. Katz conflicts are:

1) between indirectly competing subgroups;

2) between directly competing subgroups;

3) within the hierarchy and about remuneration.

Conflict Explorer K. Boulding identifies the following types of conflicts:

1) real (existing objectively in a certain social subsystem;

2) random (depending on minor points in relation to the fundamental contradictions that cause conflict);

3) substitutive (which are a visible manifestation of hidden conflicts);

4) based on poor knowledge (the result of inept management);

5) hidden, latent (participants for various reasons cannot fight openly);

6) false (creating only appearance).

The current view is that some conflicts are not only possible, but may even be desirable.

Accordingly, there are two types of conflicts:

1) the conflict is considered functional if it leads to an increase in the efficiency of the organization;

2) the conflict can also be dysfunctional and lead to a decrease in personal satisfaction, group cooperation and organizational effectiveness.

3. Compromise and consensus as a form of completion of social conflict

An external sign of conflict resolution may be the end of the incident.

Elimination of the incident is necessary, but this is not a sufficient condition for resolving the conflict. Complete resolution of the conflict situation is possible only when the conflict situation changes.

This change can take many forms, but the most radical change is the one that removes the causes of the conflict.

It is also possible to resolve a social conflict by changing the demands of one side: the opponent makes concessions and changes the goals of his behavior in the conflict.

In modern conflictology, two types of successful conflict resolution can be distinguished: compromise and consensus.

Compromise is a way to resolve the conflict, when the conflicting parties realize their interests and goals through either mutual concessions, or concessions from the weaker side, or from the side that managed to prove the validity of its requirements to the one who voluntarily renounced part of his claims.

Consensus- the presence between two or more individuals of similar orientations in any respect, one or another degree of agreement and consistency in actions. It is easy to see that it is precisely at the stage of conflict resolution that such a situation is possible under certain conditions.

M. Weber considers consensus as an integral characteristic of any human community, as long as it exists and does not disintegrate.

He contrasts consensus with solidarity, arguing that behavior based on consensus does not require it as a condition.

At the same time, it must be remembered that consensus does not completely exclude the conflict of interests between the parties. Also, the consensus does not completely rule out the possibility of a new conflict flaring up.

According to M. Weber, consensus is an objectively existing probability that, despite the absence of a preliminary agreement, the participants in one form or another of interaction will treat each other's expectations as significant for themselves. Thus, consensus is not always associated with conflict behavior.

It is easy to see that Weber's interpretation considers this social phenomenon in the broadest sense of the word.

From this we can conclude that consensus is not always generated by conflict, just as conflict does not always end in consensus.

With this understanding of consensus, behavior based on consent is different from behavior based on contract. At the same time, consensus is the primary form - it arises in the minds of people.

The treaty is secondary, since it is the normative consolidation of consensus.

Achieving consensus in society presupposes achieving political consensus.

It is usually understood as a state of agreement in relation to a particular political course in general or its individual aspects.

At the same time, such consent is not identical with joint actions and does not necessarily imply cooperation in the implementation of the relevant goals and objectives. The very degree of agreement in consensus may be different, although it is understood that it must be supported, if not by an overwhelming, then at least by a significant majority.

Varying from problem to problem, the degree of consensus is usually higher in views on provisions of a more general, abstract nature.

That is why the conflicting parties, for more successful negotiations, need to start them precisely with such topics, as this will give them more chances to find a common consensus.

In order to maintain consensus in society, three circumstances must be taken into account.

First, the natural willingness of the majority to follow the laws, regulations, and norms in force.

Secondly, a positive perception of institutions designed to implement these laws and regulations.

Thirdly, the feeling of belonging to a certain community, which contributes to a certain leveling of the role of differences.

- clash of oppositely directed goals, interests, positions, opinions or views of the subjects of interaction.
There are several points of view on the conflict in public relations, extreme positions are as follows:
1) conflict in social relations is always present (in various forms). The conflict between individual elements of the social structure is the normal state of society. Dangerous are only conflicts in the acute stage of development. The task of the parties to the conflict is to understand the opposite side and bring the positions of the parties closer by searching for a compromise. This point of view is characteristic of the conflictological approach;
2) the conflict is dangerous for society. It must be extinguished by all possible methods and at any cost a compromise must be reached. Compromise, agreement between opposing, different positions, opinions, directions, etc., achieved through mutual concessions. After reaching a compromise, it is necessary to move from conflict to cooperation. (Cooperation is a mutually beneficial development of the process.). This point of view can be conditionally designated functionalist.
Between these extreme points of view there are a number of others.
Based on a different understanding of the role of conflict in society, these two approaches consider the mutual influence of cooperation and conflict in different ways. From the point of view of the conflictological approach, cooperation arises directly from the structure of the conflict. Successful conflict resolution in any case leads to cooperation, in one form or another. From the point of view of the functional approach, cooperation does not follow at all from the structure of the conflict. Cooperation arises only if it is successfully resolved, otherwise the conflict passes into a latent (hidden) phase and subsides, while no cooperation of the parties arises.
Majority social conflicts arises from one or another basis of social inequality, or, more precisely, from social differentiation on these grounds.
The main signs of conflict:
1) the presence of a situation that is perceived by opposite parties as a conflict;
2) the presence of opposite goals, needs, interests and methods of achieving them among the participants in the conflict;
3) the interaction of the conflicting parties and the results of this interaction;
4) use of pressure and force.
The main causes of the conflict:
1) allocation of resources;
2) interdependence of people and organizations;
3) differences in goals and objectives;
4) differences in ideas and values;
5) communicative differences (differences in the ways and methods of mutual communication).
The structure of the conflict and the stages of its development. Conflictology has developed two models for describing the conflict: procedural and structural. The procedural model focuses on the dynamics of the conflict, the emergence of a conflict situation, the transition of the conflict from one phase to another, the forms of conflict behavior, and the final outcome of the conflict. In the structural model, the emphasis shifts to an analysis of the conditions that underlie the conflict and determine its dynamics. The main purpose of this model is to establish parameters that influence conflict behavior and specify the forms of this influence.

Let's try to combine these two models. Usually in social conflict There are 4 stages: pre-conflict, conflict, conflict resolution and post-conflict. In turn, each of these stages can be divided into a number of phases. The first pre-conflict stage is divided into two phases. The initial phase is characterized by the formation of a conflict situation - the accumulation and aggravation of contradictions in the system of interpersonal and group relations due to the emerging sharp divergence of interests, values ​​and attitudes of the subjects of conflict interaction. At this stage, we can talk about the latent (latent) phase of the development of the conflict.
The second phase begins with an incident or occasion, i.e. some external event that sets the conflicting parties in motion. At this phase, the conflicting parties become aware of the incentive motives, i.e. the opposites of their interests, goals, values, etc. In the second phase of the first stage, the conflict from the latent stage passes into the open one and is expressed in various forms of conflict behavior.
Conflict behavior characterizes the second, main stage in the development of the conflict. Conflict behavior is actions aimed at directly or indirectly blocking the achievement by the opposing side of its goals, intentions, interests. To enter this phase, it is necessary not only to realize one's goals and interests as opposed to the other side, but also to form an attitude to fight against it. The formation of such an attitude is the task of the first phase of conflict behavior. The conflict of interest in this phase takes the form of sharp disagreements, which individuals and social groups not only seek to resolve, but also exacerbate in every possible way, continuing to destroy the former structures of normal interconnections, interactions and relationships. In the emotional sphere, this phase is characterized by an increase in aggressiveness, a transition from prejudice and hostility to outright hostility, which is mentally fixed in the "image of the enemy." Thus, conflict actions sharply exacerbate the emotional background of the conflict, while the emotional background, in turn, stimulates conflict behavior.
In modern conflictology, much attention is paid to the concept of “strength” of the participants in conflicts. Strength - the ability of the opponent to realize his goal against the will of the interaction partner. It includes a number of heterogeneous components: 1) physical force, including technical means, used as an instrument of violence; 2) an informational form of the use of force, requiring the collection of facts, statistical data, analysis of documents, study of expert examination materials, etc. in order to ensure complete knowledge about the essence of the conflict, about one’s opponent in order to develop a strategy and tactics of behavior, use materials that discredit the opponent, etc.; 3) social status, expressed in socially recognized indicators (income, level of power, prestige, etc.); 4) other resources - money, territory, time limit, number of supporters, etc. The stage of conflict behavior is characterized by the maximum use of the strength of the participants in conflicts, the use of all the resources at their disposal.
An important influence on the development of conflict relations is exerted by the surrounding social environment, which determines the conditions in which conflict processes take place. The environment can act either as a source of external support for the participants in the conflict, or as a deterrent, or as a neutral factor. ,
The first stage of conflict behavior generates a tendency to intensify the conflict, but it can stimulate its participants to find ways to resolve the conflict. The looming turning point in the development of the conflict is characteristic of the second phase of conflict behavior. At this phase, a kind of “revaluation of values” takes place. The fact is that before the conflict began, the parties had a certain image of the conflict situation, ideas about the opponent and his intentions and resources, about the reaction of the external environment, etc. It is this image, i.e. the ideal picture of the conflict situation, and not the reality itself, is the direct psychological reality of the conflict behavior of the parties. But the course of conflict interaction could significantly change the perceptions of the parties about themselves and each other, and about the external environment. It may also be that the conflicting parties, or one of them, have exhausted their resources. All this, like many other things, serves as an incentive to develop a decision on the strategy and tactics of further behavior. Consequently, the phase of “revaluation of values” is also the phase of “choice”.
Conflicting groups can choose the following programs of behavior: 1) achieving their goals at the expense of another group and thereby bringing the conflict to a higher degree of tension; 2) reduce the level of tension, but preserve the conflict situation itself, turning it into a latent form through partial concessions to the opposite side; 3) look for ways to completely resolve the conflict. If the third program of behavior is chosen, the third stage in the development of the conflict begins - the stage of resolution.
The resolution of the conflict is carried out both through a change in the objective situation, and through a subjective, psychological restructuring, a change in the subjective image of the situation that has developed with the warring party. In general, partial or complete resolution of the conflict is possible. Complete resolution means the end of the conflict at the objective and subjective levels, a radical restructuring of the entire image of the conflict situation. In this case, the “image of the enemy” is transformed into the “image of a partner”, and the psychological attitude to fight is replaced by an orientation towards cooperation. With a partial resolution of the conflict, only the external conflict behavior changes, but the internal incentives to continue the confrontation remain, restrained either by strong-willed, reasonable arguments, or by the sanction of a third party.

Modern conflictology has formulated the conditions under which a successful resolution of social conflicts is possible. One of the important conditions is the timely and accurate diagnosis of its causes. And this involves the identification of objectively existing contradictions, interests, goals. An analysis carried out from this point of view makes it possible to outline the “business zone” of the conflict situation. Another, no less important condition is the mutual interest in overcoming contradictions on the basis of mutual recognition of the interests of each of the parties. To do this, the parties to the conflict must strive to free themselves from hostility and mistrust towards each other. Such a state can be achieved on the basis of a goal that is meaningful to each group, while at the same time uniting the opposing groups in the past on a broader basis. The third, indispensable condition is the joint search for ways to overcome the conflict. Here it is possible to use a whole arsenal of means and methods: direct dialogue between the parties, negotiations through an intermediary, negotiations with the participation of a third party, etc.
Functions of the conflict (according to L. Kozer)
1. Establishing clear boundaries for a particular group.
2. Centralization of decision-making in the group.
3. Group integration.
4. Soft conflicts prevent harder ones.
5. Soft conflicts make it easier to change the entire social system, replace the old obsolete ones and create new necessary social norms.
There is no single typology of conflicts in sociology. The selection of individual types depends on the criteria on which they are built.
Depending on the direction of conflicts, they are divided into horizontal, occurring between objects located at the same level of social space, and vertical, arising between participants occupying different status positions.
The situation of the conflict can end either with the victory of one of the parties in the conflict, or with the achievement of a certain compromise. In the event that one of the parties won the conflict, it is possible that the conflict will simply move into a latent (latent) phase. As a rule, the losing side has a thirst for revenge, which is fraught with the transition after a while of the conflict again into an open phase.
Universal ways to resolve conflicts
1. Institutionalization and structuring of the conflict, i.e. establishing regulations, rules that may include a ban on the use of violent actions and on the involvement of new participants, as well as the involvement of authoritative persons trusted by both parties to resolve the conflict.
2. Legitimation of the conflict resolution procedure, i.e. recognition by all parties of the legitimacy and fairness of the procedure for resolving the conflict.
3 Conflict reduction, i.e. its weakening by transferring to a softer level of confrontation.
Extremism, compromise, tolerance. When resolving a conflict, it is necessary to strive to find a certain compromise. At the same time, the tolerant attitude of the parties to the conflict towards each other is of considerable importance. Tolerance- tolerance for someone else's way of life, behavior, customs, feelings, opinions, ideas, beliefs. Significant difficulties in resolving the conflict arise when at least one of the parties takes an extremist position - an extreme position on any issue, consisting in an unwillingness to make even the slightest compromise.
Social legislation and, in general, the social policy of the state should strive to localize existing conflicts and prevent the emergence of their acute centers, since in such cases social instability arises.
Social conflicts in Russia, as in other countries of the world, are quite diverse. They can be divided into global and local in terms of intensity and distribution area. Global conflicts, as a rule, are more intense, affect a significant proportion of the country's population, and occur over a large area.

For the first time, conflict as a social problem was pointed out by Adam Smith. He believed that the causes of social conflicts are connected with the conflict of class interests and economic struggle.

There are several ways to resolve conflicts. They are characterized by the behavior of the participants.

The parties may choose one of the following tactics:

1. Evasion. The participant does not want to conflict and is eliminated.
2. Adaptation. The parties are ready to cooperate, but respect their own interests.
3. Confrontation. Each of the participants seeks to achieve their goals, not taking into account the interests of the other side.
4. Cooperation. Participants are ready to find a solution in a team.
5. Compromise. It implies concessions of the parties to each other.

The result of the conflict is a complete or partial solution. In the first case, the causes are completely eliminated, in the second, some of the problems may appear later.

Social conflict: types and causes

There are different types of disputes and types of causes of social conflicts. Consider which classifiers are the most common.

Types of social conflicts

There are many types of social conflicts, which are determined by:

• the duration and nature of occurrence - temporary, prolonged, random and specially organized;
• scale - global (global), local (in a specific part of the world), regional (between neighboring countries), group, personal (for example, family disputes);
• goals and methods of resolution - a fight, a scandal with obscene language, a cultural conversation;
• the number of participants - personal (in mentally ill people), interpersonal, intergroup;
• direction - arise between people of the same social level or different.

This is not an exhaustive list. There are other classifications as well. The first three types of social conflicts are key.

Causes of social conflicts

In general, objective circumstances are always the cause of social conflict. They may be explicit or hidden. Most often, the prerequisites lie in social inequality and differences in value orientations.

The main reasons for disputes:

1. Ideological. Differences in the system of ideas and values ​​that determine subordination and dominance.
2. Differences in value orientations. The set of values ​​may be the opposite of the set of another participant.
3. Social and economic reasons. Associated with the distribution of wealth and power.

The third group of causes is the most common. In addition, differences in the tasks set, rivalry, innovations, etc. can become the grounds for the development of the conflict.

Examples

The most striking and well-known example of a global social conflict is The Second World War. Many countries participated in this conflict, and the events of those years left their mark on the life of most of the population.

As an example of a conflict that arose due to a mismatch of value systems, we can cite student strike in France in 1968. This was the beginning of a series of uprisings involving workers, engineers and employees. The conflict was partially resolved thanks to the activities of the president. Thus, the society was reformed and progressed.