Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

2. Social conflict2.1 What is typical about a conflict?In everyday life, conflict is frequently compared to a dispute or a problem, opposinginterests, the struggle for power and/or the use of violence. Based on this, conflictsare viewed as battles to be won. In this light, conflicts are perceived as somethingthat produces a dynamic which makes peaceful, constructive and non‐violent settlementdifficult or impossible.Studies verify that the majority of people in conflict situations double theirefforts and hold strictly to their principles in order to gain personal advantages —even when failures occur. This kind of behaviour is often accompanied by a continuouslyshrinking perspective. According to Friedrich Glasl, conflicts can disrupt ourability to perceive and think. They can damage our attitude so extensively, that it isno longer possible to see things as they are — personally and in the surroundingworld. ‘It is as if our eyes become increasingly clouded over; our view of ourselvesand our opponents, and the problems and events becomes narrower, distorted andwholly one‐sided.’The following highlights some typical actions and behaviours of parties in conflicts:Communication is closed and insincere; often an increase of conscious misinformationand growing secretiveness; pressure and threats replace open debate.Perception hardening of differences in interests, opinions and values; the factorsthat draw apart are perceived more clearly than those that may bring together;intentions and gestures for reconciliation are seen by the opposed as hostileand one‐sided.Attitude trust decreases and distrust grows; open and secret hostilities increase,readiness for support or advice declines; readiness to expose (and take advantageof) the opponent increases. The use of violence is an example of the impactthat attitude can have on the behaviour of the conflicting parties. Despite thefact that there might not be a difference in actions by the parties involved, theopponent or enemy is seen as the one who is inhuman, cruel or even barbaric.Basic Tasks the task at hand is no longer seen as a joint one, which could bestbe dealt with by everyone contributing according to their specific ability andcapacity. To avoid the danger of being exploited or misused, the parties all try96 I I I . C O N F L I C T