Understanding the Meaning of Conflict and Its Causes, Also Know Its Types

Kapanlagi.com - Community life is not always peaceful. Sometimes, conflict situations arise that make the previously calm atmosphere tense. Usually, conflict occurs due to differences in interests between individuals with individuals, individuals with groups, or groups with groups. It is important to understand the meaning of conflict so that we can avoid it better.

Although conflict is a social situation that is very likely to occur and almost inseparable from society, understanding the meaning of conflict, recognizing its types and factors, will certainly be beneficial. Because by knowing all of that, we will be easier in dealing with and finding a way out to resolve existing conflicts.

To find out what the meaning of conflict and various related things, just take a look at the following review. 

1. Meaning of Conflict

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As mentioned earlier, the meaning of conflict is one of the social situations in society. Conflict usually occurs due to friction caused by different interests. Meanwhile, parties with different interests are unwilling to lower their ego.

In the Indonesian Dictionary, the meaning of conflict is a quarrel, dispute, or disagreement. As a real social situation that occurs in society, conflicts are often adapted in literary works such as novels, short stories, or drama scripts.

Therefore, in the Indonesian Dictionary, conflict is also defined as tension or conflict in a fictional story or drama that arises due to the conflict between two forces, conflict within one character, conflict between two characters, and so on.

Returning to conflict as a social situation, Pruitt and Rubin, a sociological expert, made a definition related to the meaning of conflict. According to them, conflict is a perception of differences in interests or beliefs that are in agreement. As a result, conflicting parties tend to prioritize their own ego and thinking.

Meanwhile, according to Indonesia's leading sociologist, Soerjono Soekanto, the meaning of conflict is a social process in which individuals or groups try to achieve their goals. To achieve that goal, conflict is carried out by challenging or even attacking the opposing party with threats or even violence.

2. Causes of Conflict

Although it is a fact that humans living in society will inevitably conflict, this does not mean that conflict cannot be avoided. Yes, as a society, every individual can avoid or prevent conflicts. For that, we need to know the meaning of conflict and its causes.

According to Soerjono Soekanto, here are some of the factors that cause conflicts in society.

1. Differences between Individuals

Every individual in society has different views and feelings about a certain condition. This can be a trigger for conflicts between individuals.

2. Differences in Interests

Every individual or group has their own interests. Everyone will fight to achieve those interests. Unfortunately, differences in interests between individuals or groups often clash, which can lead to problems or conflicts.

3. Differences in Culture

Conflicts often occur due to differences in culture. This is because cultural patterns influence a person's background of thought and characteristics.

4. Social Changes

Rapid or sudden social changes can also cause conflict. When this happens, the values in society will not immediately change. Thus, differences in views and attitudes may arise that can trigger conflict.

3. Types of Conflict

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Conflicts that occur in society can actually be classified into several types. However, to be able to classify them, understanding the general meaning of conflict is not enough. We also need to know the meaning of each type of conflict. The types of conflict are as follows.

1. Individual Conflict

Individual conflict can occur between individuals or individuals and groups in society. The cause of personal conflict is due to differences in perspectives between individuals regarding a particular issue.

2. Social Conflict

Social conflict is a type of conflict that occurs due to efforts to compete for and maintain roles and status within a social group. Furthermore, social conflict can occur within one social class or between different social classes.

3. Religious Conflict

As the name suggests, religious conflict arises due to differences in beliefs or views regarding a religious doctrine or values. Religious conflict can occur within the same religious community or between different religious communities.

4. Racial Conflict

Meanwhile, racial conflict is conflict that arises due to differences in race. This conflict is often triggered by racist views where someone feels that one race is superior to another.

5. Political Conflict

Political conflict is a type of conflict that arises due to differences in views in political life. This type of conflict is usually related to the ambition to seize power.

6. International Conflict

As the name suggests, international conflict is a type of conflict that occurs at the international level. Thus, involving two or more nations.

Those are some explanations about the meaning of conflict, its causes, and types. Hopefully, it is useful and can increase your knowledge.

(kpl/gen/psp)