Reducing Intergroup Conflict Essay Examples

REDUCING INTERGROUP CONFLICT

Abstract
Intergroup conflicts are one of the major factors that exist in the society. Many societies have had different ideologies due to different views towards various aspects of life. Due to the difference in the people of the world, we are bound to have different views of different other factors. The major differences in this case are brought about due to the factor of diversity. Diversity comes with different aspects of race, gender, culture, religion, and many other social factors that have a direct influence on the way people perceive different social aspects of life. In this case, due to the different cultures and backgrounds, they will tend to have varied views in the way they handle most of the social affairs of life. Among the many factors that polarize a social setting to cause intergroup conflicts include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

Stereotype

Stereotype can be described as the act of group thinking towards a common factor within a society or a group of people. In this case, people will have a common view towards a common ideology and due to its domination; they grow to stick to their views and makes it difficult to change their minds. Stereotype thinking has been one of the major factors that have had the greatest impact in the major interconflict groups that have existed over time. In this case, one group has a major generalized thinking towards their conflict group and in this case it is difficult to change their mind. Major factors of race and gender related biases have widely resulted from stereotype thinking (Hewstone, 2002). Group thinking is dangerous when it comes to influencing a conflict because it is considered as one of the most convincing to the minds of individuals. Some examples of group thinking include common ideologies like: all women are poor drivers.

Discrimination

Discrimination is another factor that can polarize a group of different entities. In this case, one group is completely looked down upon due to the fact that it has various characteristics that make it inferior among other groups. In this case, they may be denied the opportunity of having various chances or factors that other groups that are considered advantaged can qualify. Cases of discrimination have occurred in areas like public offices where people feel that women cannot be selected in manager positions. The existing stereotype in this case can lead to individuals having an assumption that women cannot perform better when they are in the position of a manager. People can also be discriminated on the basis of their race where they could be denied various positions or opportunities to work in specific organizations which are known to be owned or run by specific races (Hewstone, 2002). In this case, a situation of intergroup conflict develops when an individual feels they have been denied a chance due to a social factor of either gender or race. They will make an effort to raise a voice or polarize the people who are of the same characteristic creating a conflict between the two groups.

Prejudice

Prejudice in this case is closely related to stereotype where an individual sticks to an opinion that they have not proved or is not based on actual experience. People will have various assumptions. For instance, one could stick to the idea that Muslims have terrorist related aspects. In the event a Muslim group tries to fit into another group, such ideologies stuck on the mind of the hosting group could result to cases of conflicts within the two groups (Hewstone, 2002). Intergroup conflicts are one of the major factors that exist in the society.
Many societies have had different ideologies due to different views towards various aspects of life. Due to the difference in the people of the world, we are bound to have different views of different other factors. The major differences in this case are brought about due to the factor of diversity. Diversity comes with different aspects of race, gender, culture, religion, and many other social factors that have a direct influence on the way people perceive different social aspects of life. In this case, due to the different cultures and backgrounds, they will tend to have varied views in the way they handle most of the social affairs of life (Hewstone, 2002). Among the many factors that polarize a social setting to cause intergroup conflicts include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination eventually, various cases and damages could be realized between the two groups harming people who could be innocent in the case.
There are different ways and strategies that could be used to reduce intergroup conflicts. The strategies in this case include training a team to respect diversity. Respecting diversity will make everyone understand the different background setting of their group members and in this case reduce intergroup conflicts due to misunderstandings among the people. The second strategy is constantly communicating with the group to cultivate the culture of communication which will influence good behaviors among the people. People will learn to interact and get used to each other through communication (Hewstone, 2002).The third strategy is separating the people from the issues within the group to avoid personal issues within a group setting.
In order to make the boys who are in detention to respect and value each other, various activities can be set. Young boys love sporting activities and in this case, seasonal competitions can be set in order for them to compete in various activities such as swimming, dancing, football, basketball, rugby, and many other active sports. They will have to create teams that will need constant training programs. Through such training systems, they will constantly interact with their peers (Hewstone, 2002). A team needs people to work together irrespective of their backgrounds. In this case, they will learn to value their peers irrespective of their faults. They will realize that they need them and everyone has a role to play on this earth irrespective of their faults.
In summary, making a good coexistence between different people is the major step in ensuring that intergroup conflicts are well harmonized. Increasing communications at the same time improving how people relate with one another leads to a group respecting and recognizing diversity as a factor of the society that must exist due to different backgrounds and cultures.

References

Hewstone, M., Rubin, M., & Willis, H. (2002). Intergroup bias. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 575-604.