A complex, diverse phenomenon with its own dynamics and structure is commonly referred to as a "conflict". The stages of the conflict determine the scenario of its development, which may consist of several corresponding periods and phases. This article will discuss this complex socio-psychological phenomenon.
Definition of concept
The dynamics of the conflict can be viewed both in a narrow and in a broad sense. In the first case, this state means the most acute stage of confrontation. In a broad sense, the stages of the development of a conflict are a long process in which the phases of a clarification of relations replace each other in space and time. There is no unambiguous approach to the consideration of this phenomenon. For example, L. D. Segodeev identifies three stages in the dynamics of a conflict, each of which he breaks down into separate phases. Kitov A. I. divides the process of confrontation into three stages, and V. P. Galitsky and N. F. Fsedenko - into six. Some scholars believe that conflict is even more complex. Stagesconflict, in their opinion, have two development options, three periods, four stages and eleven phases. This article will present exactly this point of view.
Development options, periods and stages
The stages of the development of the conflict can unfold according to two different scenarios: the struggle enters the escalation stage (the first option) or bypasses it (the second option).
The following states can be called periods of conflict development:
- Differentiation - the opposing sides are separated, trying to defend only their interests, using active forms of confrontation.
- Confrontation - participants in the conflict use harsh forceful methods of struggle.
- Integration - opponents go towards each other and start looking for a compromise solution.
In addition to options and periods, the following main stages of the conflict can be distinguished:
- Pre-conflict (hidden stage).
- Conflict interaction (opposition in the active stage, which, in turn, is divided into three phases: incident, escalation, balanced interaction).
- Resolution (end of confrontation).
- Post-conflict (possible consequences).
Below we will consider in detail the phases into which each stage of conflict interaction is divided.
Pre-conflict (main phases)
In the latent stage of development, the following phases can be distinguished:
- The emergence of a conflict situation. At this stage, between the opponents there isa certain contradiction, but they are not yet aware of it and do not take any active steps to defend their positions.
- Awareness of the conflict situation. At this time, the warring parties begin to realize that a clash is inevitable. At the same time, the perception of the situation that has arisen is usually subjective. Awareness of a conflict objective situation can be both erroneous and adequate (that is, correct).
- An attempt by opponents to resolve a sore point in communicative ways, by competently arguing their position.
- Pre-conflict situation. It arises if the methods of peaceful resolution of the problem did not bring success. The opposing sides realized the reality of the emerging threat and decided to defend their interests by other methods.
Conflict interaction. Incident
Incident is the deliberate actions of opponents who want to single-handedly seize the object of the conflict, regardless of the consequences. Awareness of the threat to their interests forces the opposing sides to use active methods of influence. An incident is the beginning of a collision. It concretizes the alignment of forces and exposes the positions of the conflicting parties. At this stage, the opponents still have little idea of their resources, potentials, forces and means that will help them win. This circumstance, on the one hand, restrains the conflict, and on the other hand, makes it develop further. In this phase, opponents begin to turn to a third party, i.e. appeal to the legal authorities forassertion and protection of their interests. Each of the subjects of confrontation is trying to attract the largest number of supporters.
Conflict interaction. Escalation
This stage is characterized by a sharp increase in the aggressiveness of the opposing sides. Moreover, their subsequent destructive actions are much more intense than the previous ones. The consequences are difficult to predict if the conflict goes that far. The stages of the conflict in their development are divided into several stages:
- A sharp decrease in the cognitive sphere in activities and behavior. The subjects of confrontation are moving to more aggressive, primitive ways of confrontation.
- Rejection of the objective perception of the opponent by the universal image of the "enemy". This image becomes the leading one in the conflict information model.
- Increase in emotional tension.
- A sharp transition from reasonable arguments to personal attacks and claims.
- The growth of the hierarchical rank of prohibited and violated interests, their constant polarization. The interests of the parties become bipolar.
- The uncompromising use of violence as an argument.
- Loss of original collision object.
- Generalization of the conflict, its transition to the global stage.
- Involvement of new participants in the confrontation.
The above signs are typical for both interpersonal and group conflicts. At the same time, the initiators of the collision can support and shape these processes in every possible way by manipulating the consciousness of the opposing sides. It must be emphasized that in the process of escalation, the conscious sphere of the psyche of opponents gradually loses its significance.
Conflict interaction. Balanced interaction
In this phase, the subjects of the conflict finally understand that they cannot solve the problem by force. They continue to fight, but the degree of aggressiveness is gradually decreasing. However, the parties have not yet taken real actions aimed at a peaceful settlement of the situation.
Conflict resolution
The stages of conflict resolution are characterized by the cessation of active confrontation, the realization of the need to sit down at the negotiating table and the transition to active interaction.
- The end of the active phase of the clash can be triggered by several factors: a radical change in the value system of the conflicting parties; a clear weakening of one of the opponents; obvious futility of further actions; overwhelming superiority of one of the parties; the appearance in the confrontation of a third party capable of making a significant contribution to solving the problem.
- Actually resolving the conflict. The parties begin to negotiate, completely abandon the use of force in the struggle. Ways to resolve the confrontation can be as follows: changing the positions of the conflicting parties; elimination of one or all participants in the confrontation; destruction of the object of the conflict; effective negotiations; referring opponents to a third party acting as arbitrator.
The conflict may end in otherways: by fading (extinguishing) or developing into a confrontation of another level.
Post-conflict phase
- Partial resolution. The stages of social conflict end at this relatively peaceful stage. This state is characterized by the preservation of emotional tension, negotiations take place in an atmosphere of mutual claims. At this stage of confrontation, a post-conflict syndrome often occurs, which is fraught with the development of a new dispute.
- Normalization, or complete resolution of the conflict. This phase is characterized by the complete elimination of negative attitudes and the emergence of a new level of constructive interaction. The stages of conflict management at this stage are completely completed. The parties restore relations and begin productive joint activities.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, the conflict can develop according to two scenarios, one of which implies the absence of an escalation phase. In this case, the confrontation of the parties takes place in a more constructive way.
Every conflict has its limits. The stages of the conflict are limited by temporal, spatial and intrasystemic limits. The duration of a collision is characterized by its temporal duration. Intra-system boundaries are determined by the selection of the subjects of confrontation from the total number of participants.
Thus, conflict is a complex interaction between aggressive opponents. Its developmentobeys certain laws, the knowledge of which can help the participants in the clash to avoid possible losses and come to an agreement in a peaceful, constructive way.
