Conflict is a struggle or clash between two opposing forces, (Collins Dictionary). This essay will investigate the view that people are predisposed to conflict by critically examining two different psychological approaches. Biological approaches, such as the dogmatic personality and moral development from childhood will be evaluated. Social Cognitive approaches will also be critically evaluated, such as realistic conflict and social identity theory. Social development, such as, helping, collaboration and sharing behaviour will be considered and evaluated as a counter argument against the view that people are disposed to immoral behaviour, such as conflict.
After the severe conflict and killings in the Second World War Nazi death camps, it was believed by Adorno et al, (1950), cited …show more content…
It has been argued that conflict is caused by an authoritarian or dogmatic personality. This did show that personality acts as a predisposition of conflict but from an individual point. It was also highlighted that this is not static but fluid according to environmental factors. Alternative views of prejudice were critically evaluated and showed that prejudice is not only fixed to individuals but is also evident within groups. Biological psychology helped establish that prejudice is not fixed but fluid according to environmental factors. Social developmental psychology through moral development in children evaluated and established that children do get on to a certain degree, but flaws in the methodology failed to address that across gender differences. It was highlighted however that children do need to develop within their moral understanding, as this could in the future predispose conflict. To conclude, as there is a great deal of limitations within moral development although helpful in answering this question, I agree that we are all predisposed to conflict and that is contributed largely by individual
After the severe conflict and killings in the Second World War Nazi death camps, it was believed by Adorno et al, (1950), cited …show more content…
It has been argued that conflict is caused by an authoritarian or dogmatic personality. This did show that personality acts as a predisposition of conflict but from an individual point. It was also highlighted that this is not static but fluid according to environmental factors. Alternative views of prejudice were critically evaluated and showed that prejudice is not only fixed to individuals but is also evident within groups. Biological psychology helped establish that prejudice is not fixed but fluid according to environmental factors. Social developmental psychology through moral development in children evaluated and established that children do get on to a certain degree, but flaws in the methodology failed to address that across gender differences. It was highlighted however that children do need to develop within their moral understanding, as this could in the future predispose conflict. To conclude, as there is a great deal of limitations within moral development although helpful in answering this question, I agree that we are all predisposed to conflict and that is contributed largely by individual