Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

Structural conflict is caused by unequal or unfair distribution of power and resources.Time constraints, destructive patterns of interaction and unfavourable geographicalor environmental factors contribute to structural conflict.Value conflicts arise over ideological differences in what individuals, groups, partiesor organizations believe in as paramount or sacred to their existence. Valuescannot be compromised, but they might change over time due to various influences.Value conflicts arise over how goals are achieved, about their nature orpriorities. Actual or perceived differences in value do not necessarily lead toconflict. It is only when values are imposed on individuals or groups and thesepeople are prevented from upholding their previous value systems that conflictarises.Value conflicts and religious conflicts in particular are often intertwined withother types of conflicts. Deep felt feelings and beliefs of people are in such casesabused to blur underlying power or economic interests. (See also 7.6 page 182.)6. Positive functions of conflictDespite the possible risk of destructive consequences, conflicts bear the opportunityfor various positive functions, if handled adequately. Some of them are listedbelow 28 :Conflict can enhance identity and independence. Conflicts show that something inan individual’s life or relationship with others cannot continue as it was. Tofind out what we want and what our priorities are for shaping our lives requiresan awareness and understanding of these issues. Conflict may act as an incentiveto start the self-awareness process and in this way may help the individualassert their personal identity as separate from the aspirations, beliefs andbehaviours of the others around them.Conflict establishes and maintains group identities. Groups in conflict tend to createclearer boundaries, which help to determine who is part of the in‐group andwho is part of the out‐group. By discussing issues, beliefs and interests, themembers create a more sharply-defined ideology on which they agree. In thisway, conflicts can help individuals to understand how they are part of a certaingroup. It may also incite them to take action to defend the groups’ interests.118 I I I . C O N F L I C T