Meaning, Types, Causes and Nature of Conflict for JSS 1

Conflict in Our Society

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. discuss the meaning of conflict;
2. explain types of conflict;
3. identify causes of conflict;
4. state the nature of conflict.

Meaning of Conflict

Conflict is a serious disagreement or argument between people, groups, or countries.

It happens when two or more parties have different ideas, needs, or goals, and these differences lead to tension or opposition. Conflict can be expressed through words, actions, or even silence. It is a common part of human interaction and can occur in various settings, such as homes, schools, communities, and even between nations.

Types of Conflict

Conflict can take different forms depending on who is involved. Understanding these types helps in identifying and addressing them.

The main types of conflict include:

1. Interpersonal Conflict: This type of conflict occurs between two or more individuals. It often arises from differences in personality, opinions, values, or communication styles.

   Examples of interpersonal conflict are:

   1. An argument between two friends over a misunderstanding.
   2. Disagreement between siblings about sharing a toy.
   3. A dispute between neighbours over property boundaries.

2. Intergroup Conflict: This conflict happens between two or more groups of people. These groups could be families, communities, clubs, ethnic groups, or even nations.

   Examples of intergroup conflict are:

   1. A disagreement between two football teams during a match.
   2. Clashes between different community groups over land use.
   3. Disputes between different student clubs in a school.

Causes of Conflict

Conflicts do not just happen; they usually have underlying reasons. Identifying these causes is the first step towards finding solutions.

Common causes of conflict include:

1. Misunderstanding and Poor Communication: When people do not clearly express their thoughts or listen properly to others, misunderstandings can arise. This lack of clear communication can quickly lead to conflict.

   For example, if a message is not delivered correctly, it can cause confusion and anger.

2. Differences in Opinion or Ideas: People naturally have different ways of thinking and seeing things. When these differences are not respected or discussed peacefully, they can escalate into conflict.

   For instance, students may argue over the best way to complete a group project.

3. Competition over Resources: When resources like land, money, water, or power are scarce, people or groups may compete to control them. This competition can often lead to serious conflict.

   An example is a dispute between two communities over access to a fertile piece of land.

4. Injustice and Unfair Treatment: Feelings of being treated unfairly or unjustly can cause deep resentment and lead to conflict. When rules are not applied equally or when some people are favoured over others, conflict can arise.

   For example, if a teacher is seen to treat some students unfairly, it can cause conflict among the students.

5. Discrimination: Treating someone differently or unfairly because of their background, religion, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics is discrimination. It can lead to anger, resentment, and widespread conflict.

   An example is when a group is denied opportunities simply because of their ethnic origin.

6. Lack of Respect for Others’ Views: Everyone has a right to their own opinions and beliefs. When people do not show respect for the views of others, it can lead to arguments and conflict.

   For instance, mocking someone’s religious beliefs can cause conflict.

Nature of Conflict

The nature of conflict refers to its basic characteristics and how it typically behaves or manifests itself. Understanding these characteristics helps in dealing with conflict effectively.

The nature of conflict includes the following aspects:

1. Involves Disagreement: At its core, conflict is about disagreement. It means that people or groups hold different positions, interests, or values that clash with each other.

2. Can be Verbal or Physical: Conflict can be expressed through words, such as arguments, shouting, or insults. It can also become physical, involving pushing, fighting, or even violence.

3. Often Involves Strong Emotions: Conflicts usually bring out strong feelings like anger, frustration, fear, sadness, or resentment. These emotions can make it harder to think clearly and find solutions.

4. Can be Destructive: If not managed properly, conflict can lead to negative outcomes. It can damage relationships, disrupt peace, cause harm to people, and destroy property.

5. Is a Normal Part of Human Interaction: Conflict is a natural part of life because people are different. It is almost impossible to avoid all disagreements, but it is important to learn how to handle them constructively.

6. Requires Resolution: For peace and progress, conflicts need to be resolved. This means finding ways to address the disagreements and reach a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved.

Conflict Areas in Nigeria

Nigeria, like many other countries, experiences various forms of conflict. These conflicts often arise from the causes discussed earlier and can affect different parts of the country.

Common conflict areas or types of conflict in Nigeria include:

1. Land Disputes: Conflicts over land ownership and usage are common, especially between farming communities and pastoralists (herders). These disputes often arise from competition for fertile land and grazing routes.

2. Religious Differences: Disagreements and tensions can sometimes arise between people of different religious beliefs, particularly when there is a lack of understanding or respect for other faiths.

3. Ethnic Differences: Nigeria is a country with many ethnic groups, each with its own culture and traditions. Sometimes, differences between these groups can lead to misunderstandings, competition, and conflict.

4. Political Disagreements: During elections or political activities, different political parties and their supporters may have strong disagreements. These can sometimes escalate into conflict, especially if there is a perception of unfairness or cheating.

5. Resource Control: Conflicts can also arise in areas rich in natural resources, such as oil. Local communities may feel that they are not benefiting fairly from these resources, leading to protests and sometimes violence.