Copyright © 2006-2007 The Beyond Intractability Project Beyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the Universit

1. Copyright © 2006-2007 The Beyond Intractability ProjectBeyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the University of Colorado PowerPoint Summary of: Benefits of Conflict

2. Slide 2: • Conflict and Learning • Conflict is the “engine of social learning” • Reveals social problems such as: • Economic inequality • Social exclusion • Prejudice and discrimination • Conflict can encourage parties to • work towards solutions • Complete absence of conflict • suggests the presence of suppression PowerPoint Summary of: Benefits of Conflict

3. Slide 3: • Social Benefits of Conflict • Improved group cohesion • Helps people recognize shared • interests • Reaffirms shared identity • Development of new, positive • norms/values • Highlighting social problems and • suggesting solutions PowerPoint Summary of: Benefits of Conflict

4. Slide 4: • Psychological Benefits of Conflict • Strengthening of self-identity • Positive effects on self-esteem • (when one is successful) • Meeting deep psychological needs • (due to increased group cohesion) PowerPoint Summary of: Benefits of Conflict

5. Slide 5: • Material Benefits of Conflict • Concrete material rewards • Direct -- Spoils to the victor, such as land and treasure • Indirect -- Profit to “conflict entrepreneurs” selling arms and supplies • Increased power • Directly for the victor • Indirectly for third parties, as warring parties weaken each other PowerPoint Summary of: Benefits of Conflict

6. Slide 6: • The Challenge • The challenge is to: • Realize the benefits of conflict • while at the same time • 2) Minimizing its costs PowerPoint Summary of: Benefits of Conflict