CH 12: Conflict & Peacemaking

Question 1

Why do people or groups fight?

Answer 1

Social dilemmas – Doing what’s best for you might hurt the group (e.g., hoarding supplies).

Competition – Groups fight over power, land, or resources.

Unfair treatment – People get mad when they feel cheated or disrespected.

Misunderstanding – Groups see each other as bad or dangerous, even if it’s not true.

Question 2

How do we fix conflict?

Answer 2

Communication – Honest, respectful talking helps solve fights.

Shared goals – Working together on something both sides want (e.g., cleaning a park).

Rules and fairness – Laws or leaders can help settle disputes.

Changing the situation – Bring people into smaller, more personal settings.

Group identity shift – Make people see themselves as part of the same team or community.

Question 3

Peacemaking strategies

Answer 3

Contact – Spending time with other groups reduces fear and builds friendships.

Cooperation – Working together builds trust.

Conciliation – Taking small, peaceful steps (like apologizing or negotiating).

Question 4

Mirror-image perceptions

Answer 4

Both sides in a conflict see the other as evil and themselves as good — worsens conflict.

Question 5

GRIT strategy (Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction)

Answer 5

One group makes a small peace offering, and the other responds. Step-by-step process to reduce tension.