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Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4

Review Article GJR 2019,1:4

Global Journal of (DOI:10.28933/GJR)

Conflict Theories

Kebede Lemu Bekelcha

Department of Social , Faculty of Social and , Bule Hora University

ABSTRACT

There are many theories. Each of them has its own per- *Correspondence to Author: spective that shapes the theme of its respective disciplinary ap- Kebede Lemu Bekelcha proach. Despite their significant differences in treating conflicts, Department of , they may share common concerns, interests and focus on sim- Faculty of Social Sciences and Hu- ilar points that could attract their attentions. Theories of conflict manities, Bule Hora University are the explanations put forward to explain causes of conflict. The causes of conflict are numerous and complex, thus creating problem of analysis of specific conflict situations. The theories How to cite this article: are advanced to simplify the causes by looking at them in cate- Kebede Lemu Bekelcha.Conflict gories. Theories. Global Journal of Reli- Hence, this term paper entitled “” encompasses gions, 2019,1:4 conflict theories like Structural Conflict Theory, Realist Theory, Biological Theory, Physiological Theory, Economic Theory, Psy- cho- Theory, Needs Theory, Relational Theory, Systemic Theory, Marxist Theory of conflict, Internation- al Theory of conflict, . All these above eSciPub LLC, Houston, TX USA. mentioned theories are elucidated accordingly with their basic Website: https://escipub.com/ ideas.

GJR: https://escipub.com/global-journal-of-religions/ 1 Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4 1. Definition of the Concept Conflict disharmony in an interaction process and usually occurs as a result of clash of interest There is no single definition for the term between the parties involved in some form of conflict. Conflict must be understood in their relationship. Clash of interest could occur social contexts, involving values and beliefs, because either they are perusing their fears and suspicion, interests and needs, incompatible goals to peruse their chosen attitudes and action, relationship and network goals. (Brock-utne, 2001 cited in Hwedie and Rankopo, 2012). Pruitt (2001) have stated that, it is from down of human that have been As Dagne (2013) stated in his article, conflicts competing for resource controls and are a normal part of human interaction and are dominance. These competitions inevitably led rarely completely resolved or eliminated. But individuals as well as social, political, economic they can be managed by such measures as and religious groups to conflict. It is true that negotiation, mediation, conciliation and conflict would have devastating effects and it is arbitration. undesirable. However, conflict is unavoidable In another word, as definition availed by and it has a character of persistence in one way (Montagu,1968), conflict is a condition of or another.

Key concept Conflict is an inevitable phenomenon in human ’s sphere of life since the entire life of human kind is manipulated by the prevalence of conflict with the society when people set opinion against opinion, run interest against interests (Nader, 1968).

No society in this world loves conflict. However, categories. The nature, causes and the impact as long as people live together, work together, of conflicts have been extensively written on by and interact with each other, disputes remain scholars. Depending on the school of to inevitable between sub-groups or individuals in which they represent, such explanations have a group, or between different groups. When tended to place a lot of emphasis on one these disputes are fuelled by emotion and particular or a set of related theories while become unsolvable, they develop into intra and diminishing the importance or explanatory inter-group conflicts. The source of the conflicts relevance of other competing theories the could be the incompatibility of the objective or condition under which conflicts occur, and subjective interests of the groups or individuals sometimes the condition for their resolution (Fisher and Keashly, 1991 cited in Fetherston, (Delessa, 2008). These theories are explained 2000). This implies that, in the interactions, one below: may violate the interest of the others and could 2.1. Conflict theory cause damages to them. Conflict theory suggests that human behavior in 2. Theories of conflict social contexts results from conflicts between Theories of conflict are the explanations put competing groups. Conflict theory originated forward to explain causes of conflict. The with the work of in the mid-1800s. causes of conflict are numerous and complex, Marx understood human society in terms of thus creating problem of analysis of specific conflict between social classes, notably the conflict situations. The theories are advanced to conflict in capitalist between those simplify the causes by looking at them in who owned the means of economic production

GJR: https://escipub.com/global-journal-of-religions/ 2 Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4 (factory or farm owners, for example) and those theory has been used to explain diverse human who did not (the workers). Subsequent thinkers behavior, such as educational practices that have described different versions of conflict either sustain or challenge the status quo theory; a common theme is that different social cultural customs regarding the elderly, and groups have unequal power, though all groups criminal behavior (Chris, 2014). struggle for the same limited resources. Conflict

Conflict theory seeks to scientifically explain the general contours of conflict in society: how conflict starts and varies, and the effects it brings. The central concerns of conflict theory are the unequal distribution of scarce resources and power (Coser, 1956).

2.2. Structural Conflict Theory Structuralists maintain that conflict occurs This theory has two main sub-orientations; the because of the exploitative and unjust nature of first is the radical structural theory represented human societies or because of domination of by the Marxist dialectical school with exponents one class by another. The theory is however like Mark and Engels, V.I Lenin etc., the second deficient in its on-sidedness of looking at is the liberal represent by Ross causes of conflict. It, for instance, does not see (1993), Scarborough (1998) and the famous the bright sides of racial or ethnic diversity and Johan Galtung (1990) on . the strength that a society may derive from thus sees incompatible interests pluralism. It only sees the flaws. The structural based on competition for resources which in theory thus makes sense only when conflicts most cases are assumed to be scarce, as being are viewed from the broadest possible responsible for social conflicts (Collier, 2002:2) perspective, and only if the observer opts to ignore alternate cause of conflict (Folarin, The solution to these types of conflict to the 2016). Marxists is that the contradictions will end in a -civil , or some form of violence 2.3. Realist Theory leading to the overthrow of the exploitation Realist theory originates from classical political . Liberal structuralisms call for the theory and shares both theological and elimination of structural defects with policy biological doctrines about an apparent reforms. weakness and individual inherent in human The structural theory attempts to explain nature. It thus traces the roots of conflict to a conflict as a product of the tension that arises flaw in which is seen to be selfish when groups compete for scarce recourses. and engaging in the pursuit of personalized The central argument in this self-interest defined as power. is that conflict is built into the particular ways Morgenthau (1973:4) and realist after him like societies are structured or organized. It Walt, argue that the imperfection in the world, describes the condition of the society and how namely conflict, has its roots in forces that are such condition or environment can create inherent in human nature, that human nature is conflict. Structural conflict theory identifies such selfish, individualistic and naturally conflictive, conditions as , deprivation, that states will always pursue their national class inequalities, injustice, political interests defined as power, and that such marginalization, imbalances, racial interest will come into conflict with those of segregation, economic exploitation and the others leading to the inevitability of conflict. likes, all of which often lead to conflict Actors hence should prepare to deal with the (Oakland, 2005). outcome and consequences of conflict since it GJR: https://escipub.com/global-journal-of-religions/ 3 Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4 is inevitable, rather than wish there were none. our generic make up. , St This theory greatly justified the militarization of Augustine, Malthus and Freud are all classical international relations and the arms race. The biological theorists. theory has been accused of elevating power Further alienation to biological theories are and the to the status of an , shown in the difference between “expected hence has had tremendous impact on conflict need satisfaction “and “actual need satisfaction” at the international level. (Davies,1962:6) , where expectation does not Political realism explains conflict as an inherent meet attainment, the tendency is for people to attribute of man. As far as men live with their confront those they hold responsible for ‘baggage of emotions’, so will conflict remain a frustrating their ambition. This is the central part of their habitat; and as long as man argument that Ted Robert Gurr’s Relative remains a ‘political animal’ with interests Deprivation thesis addressed stating that “the different from others, so shall conflict of greater the discrepancy, however marginal interests remain a feature of society. More between what is sought and what see. importantly, as long as there are scarce This theory explains that human nature is resources where most men are ambitiously genetically transferred from generation to seeking comfort or control of resources, conflict generation. Just as parents can genetically is inevitable. Realism is a good blend of the transfer their godly qualities and ingenuity to Marxist, international capitalist and economic their offspring, so can the evil nature of man be theories in the explication of conflict (Folarin, genetically transferred. The argument goes that 2016). since our ancestors were instinctively violent The realist theory describes conflict as a beings and since we evolved from them, we product of the innate selfish nature of man, who must bear aggressive or destructive impulses in continues to pursue his own best interests even our genes (Folarin, 2016). if the ox of others is gored. This selfish nature This theory explains that the irresistible of man leads to “competitive processes” outbreaks of violent impulses are ascribed to between actors who seek to have all or most of fixed biological propensities. As such, available scarce resources. It is such attribute aggression is spontaneous and could be that is taken to the inter-state level, which leads uncontrollable. This line of thought underlines to erratic behavior, hegemonic propensities, the assumption about the greatness of certain imperialism, et cetera, that can impel resistance people, or family; or the pride, arrogance as well as violent opposition and consequently and aggressiveness of a particular or heat up the international system (ibd). group (Chris, 2014). 2.4. Biological Theory 2.5. Physiological Theory Biological theories has given rise to what may Physiologists share the biological and hormonal be referred to as the innate theory of conflict origins of aggression and conflict in individuals which contends that conflict is innate in all with realists, but add by providing the social interactions, and among all animals, conditions under which this happens. Scott including human beings. It argue that (1978) noted that the physiological sources of are animals, albeit higher species of animals, aggressive behavior are a function of several and would fight naturally over things they factors including human nature and cherish. John Dollard (1939). The thinking is environment. In essence, humans are naturally that since our ancestors were instructively capable of being aggressive but do not display violent beings, and since we evolved from violent behavior as an instinct. When violence them, we too must bear destructive impulses in occurs, there is the possibility that it is being

GJR: https://escipub.com/global-journal-of-religions/ 4 Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4 manipulated by a combination of factors within of the most important ways of explaining violent and outside the individual’s control. conflict. Identity is thus seen to be the reason 2.6. Economic Theory for social conflicts that take long to resolve despite the belief that ethnicity is the biggest Economists largely assume people in conflict to source of identity-based conflicts , this school of be fighting over, not about, something that is thought agree that this does not mean that material. The question then becomes; is the conflict is unavoidable wherever there are conflict a result of (intention to ‘corner’ ethnic differences (Chris, 2014). something) or of grievance ( arising over feelings of injustice). Collier (2003:4) printed out 2.8. Human Needs Theory that some people (commonly referred to as The position of human needs theory is similar “conflict entrepreneurs”) actually benefit from to that of Frustration-Aggression and Relative chaos; while overwhelming majority of the deprivation theory. Its main assumption is that population is affected by the negative impacts all humans have basic human needs which of conflicts. He also pointed out that while the they seek to fulfill, and that the denial and prospect of pecuniary gains is seldom the frustration of these needs by other groups or principal incentive for rebellion, it can become individuals could affect them immediately or for some insurgent groups, a preferred state of later, thereby leading to conflict (Rosati et al. affairs. 1990). ‘Basic human needs” in this sense Economic theory of conflict explicates the comprise physical, psychological, social and economic undercurrents in conflict causation. spiritual needs. In essence, to provide access There is considerable interface between to one (e.g. food) and deny or hinder access to (power, resources or ) and scarcity. another (e.g. freedom of ) will amount to People seek power because it is a means to an denial and could make people to resort to end, more often, economic ends. Communities violence in an effort to protect these needs feud over farmlands, grazing fields, water Even though needs scholars identity a wide resource, et cetera, and groups fight range of human needs, some of which they over allocation of resources or consider to be basic human needs, they are revenue. Scarcity, wants, needs, or the fear of agreed on the fact that the frustration of these scarcity is often a driving force for political needs hampers the actualization of the power, contention for resource control, and so potentials of groups and individuals, forth. Conflict is thus not far-fetched in the subsequently leading to conflict(Chris, 2014). course of such palpable fear or threat of 2.9. Relational Theory scarcity. Just as the fear of and Relational Theories attempt to provide deprivation could lead to fraud or corruption; so explanations for the violent conflicts between is threat of or real famine, deprivation, groups by exploring sociological, political, mismanagement of scarce resources, could economic and historical relationships between propel conflict over resource control (Chris, such groups. Thus, the belief here is that 2014). cultural and value differences are as well as 2.7. Psycho-Cultural Conflict Theory group interests all influence relationships The of culturally induced conflict is between individuals. A number of conflicts grow emphasized by this theory. It contends, out of a past history of conflict between groups therefore that even though there are different that has led to the development of negative forms of identities, the one that is based on stereotypes, racial intolerance and people’s ethnic origin and the that is discrimination. Such a history of negative learned on the basis of that ethnic origin is one exchanges between groups may make it

GJR: https://escipub.com/global-journal-of-religions/ 5 Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4 difficult for efforts to integrate different ethnic other is deprived, socially deflated, financially and religious groups within the society to infantile and is called the proletariat. There is a succeed because their past interactions make it constant struggle between the two, but he that difficult for them to trust one another. Within the has the financial muscle controls both the state West African sub-region for instance, it has and the poor, and that is the structure of been difficult to get groups like the society. Thus, the Marxist stand is that the state Hausa/Fulani, Igbo and the Yoruba in Nigeria is itself a product of the irreconcilability of class (Chris, 2014). antagonisms (Lenin, 1917). The state is 2.10. Systemic Theory therefore structured to be in a perpetual state of conflict, uses of the conflict. Systemic theories provide a socio-structural explanation for the emergence of violent social The rich controls the state as well as means of conflicts. The position of this theory is that production. The rich thus grows wealthier at the reason(s) for any in the social expense of the poor, who lives at his mercy and context within which it occurs. As Johnson is implicitly embittered by the development. The (1966:12-13) noted in the case of political central argument of is thus that violence, “any analytical penetration of the capitalism is at the heart of the state, and that behavior characterized as ‘purposive political same capitalism is exploitative and oppressive violence’ must utilize as its a conception of and has been responsible for the polarization of the social context in which it occurs.” This the society (and state) into two incompatible paradigm turns our focus to social factors and classes (Folarin, 2016). the effects of large scale (usually sudden) The limitation of Marxism is similar to that of changes in social, political and economic structuralism. It looks at every issue of conflict processes that would usually guide from the viewpoint of In trying to cope with the different challenges alone. This economic prism is not enough to and crises of modernization, most capture every aspect of conflict causation. that find it difficult to gain the legitimacy needed 2.12. International Capitalism Theory of to attract support from the people usually resort conflict to unconstitutional means and force rather than This theory captures the historical import of processes that are in line with the rule of , in and imperialism. According to an effort to surpass the legitimate demands of Hobson (2006; 1902), in his classic, the people, prevent opposition and Imperialism: A Study, the external drive of groups from criticizing policies that they do not western propelled by the Industrial agree with, and generally attempt to dictate the Revolution began to create numerous platforms terms on which will be attained. for conflict. The search for raw materials, need The theories explaining causes of conflict to invest surplus capital and search for new include structural theory of conflict, Marxist markets outside Europe compelled an theory, international capitalist theory, realist imperialist pathway as the western countries theory, biological theory, and psychological desperately sought such markets, raw materials theory of conflict (Chris, 2014). and investment climates at the expense of the 2.11. Marxist Theory of conflict peace and prosperity of the locals in what is now known as the Global South. This led to The Marxist theory is an offshoot of the Marxian colonization, as well as collision of and explanation of society. Society is divided into and ultimately conflict. unequal classes: the one is strong, rich and noble and bears the tag of , who Imperialism thus became the last and highest controls the instrumentality of state; while the stage of capitalism (Lenin, 1917: 43). This GJR: https://escipub.com/global-journal-of-religions/ 6 Kebede Lemu Bekelcha, GJR 2019, 1:4 international capitalism theory aptly explains disputes between individuals, groups or the of western financial markets nations. and capital today, as it solidified and extended In conclusion, Kelman (1993:3) shows the way their economic influences all over the world, forward in his observation that each perspective and has leveraged them for economic only adds to the pool of available knowledge on exploitation of the developing , which conflict resolution processes: “Although (they has created imbalances between what are now are) analytically distinct as static points of the North and South. departure, there is sufficient overlap 2.13. 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