Introduction
A society that does not have conflicts lacks divergent minds and thus cannot experience a change to the maximum levels. Societal conflict means a disagreement of opinions between members of the society. A society is a group of people living together in an organized community (Peet and Hartwick 102). Well managed conflicts can be beneficial to the community in different ways and help in building long-lasting relationships. It helps in building consensus.
Benefits of Conflict to the Society
Conflict can be beneficial to the society by introducing new thinking. People can see things from a new and more effective perspective after a dispute. Through disputes, all opinions and approaches are considered. A more reasonable and effective opinion that is a hybrid of all the other views and perspectives are utilized in resolving a problem affecting the members of the society. It gives space for new ideas that might have otherwise never been put into consideration (Hackman and Katz 25).
Conflicts help to build better relationships guided by respect for each other. Without conflict in the society, some people think they are more powerful and influential and can dominate over others with contempt. Conflicts help to bring out the extent to which everyone can go in fighting for what they believe it is right (Hackman and Katz 31). Eventually, everybody respects one another which promote a relationship that is premised on respect and mutual understanding. A relationship without conflict is dishonest and unhealthy (Hackman and Katz. 42).
Conflicts bring about change in the society. A society that avoids disputes by all means risks remaining stagnant. It is through conflict that the need for change is observed and everybody is ready or is convinced that change is needed. The society members should be able to view conflict positively. Conflict is as a result of people having a different mind and thoughts, and if that is perceived positively and considered by others, then change is adopted in the society which is beneficial. It helps avoid future powerful conflicts that might negatively affect the community. Conflicts means someone somewhere is thinking about the greater good and welfare of the society as opposed to individualistic needs (Peet and Hartwick 105).
How Conflict Supports a Consensus
Conflict can support consensus in different ways. Through a conflict, everybody's opinion and conviction have an opportunity to be considered. Those involved in the dispute feel that they have a chance to fight for what they believed in, but others are more influential in different ways, and thus their opinion is heard and adopted. They can have a peaceful conscience and accept the results of the conflict gracefully by supporting the opinion that is adopted by many (Hackman and Katz 55).
A helpful formal consensus is achieved through conflict. A non-violent means is encouraged because it helps to bring out the best ideas and nobody will feel ignored. People have an opportunity to convince other people why they have a different opinion on something and finally, everybody will agree on common ground with well thought out ideas thus helping to make quality decisions (Peet and Hartwick 103).
Conclusion
Conflict if well managed in the society provides the best way to help resolve issues and develop the community. Through disputes, everyone's opinion is considered before a final consensus is reached at that is a hybrid of all the ideas presented during a conflict. Better relationships guided by mutual respect result from periods of disagreements thus making the society better than it was before. Conflict is beneficial to the society, and it helps build consensus in different ways.
Works Cited
Hackman, J. Richard, and Nancy Katz. "Group behavior and performance." Handbook of social psychology (2010):25-60.
Peet, Richard, and Elaine Hartwick. Theories of development: Contentions, arguments, alternatives. Guilford Publications,(2015):102-107.
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Conflict to Society and Conflict Support Essay. (2022, Aug 04). Retrieved from https://proessays.net/essays/conflict-to-society-and-conflict-support-essay
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