Write an essay based on examples to show how conflicts get resolved.
Conflict refers to a clash of interests that arises when groups struggle to gain access to and control over scarce resources in society. The bases of conflict vary—it could be class or caste, tribe or gender, ethnicity or religious community.
Conflict appears as a discord or overt clash only when it is openly expressed. For example, a peasant movement is an overt expression of a deep-rooted conflict over land resources. However, the absence of a movement does not imply the absence of conflict.
Conflicts get resolved through cooperation, which may be voluntary or enforced. When enforced, it could be through sanctions or the strength of norms that ensure cooperation. The relationship between conflict, involuntary cooperation, and resistance is significant in understanding resolution.
For instance, in family and household settings, conflicts may be resolved through established norms and cooperation among members. Similarly, land-based conflicts may see resolution when groups cooperate—either voluntarily or under pressure of norms—to manage resources. Thus, cooperation becomes a key mechanism through which societies work towards resolving conflicts.
Explanation
The textbook context discusses conflict as a clash of interests arising from scarcity of resources, with various bases like class, caste, gender, etc. While the context doesn't explicitly detail resolution mechanisms, it establishes the important relationship between conflict and cooperation. The mention of 'involuntary cooperation' and 'strength of norms' suggests how conflicts may be managed or resolved. The two examples given—family/household and land-based conflicts—provide concrete instances where conflict and cooperation intersect. Students should understand that conflict resolution is closely tied to how societies organise cooperation, whether voluntary or enforced through norms and sanctions.