Types of conflicts: the concept and different classifications

In modern scientific literature on the psychology of conflicts, at present there are about a hundred definitions of this phenomenon. But they differ considerably in wording, since the authors singled out different sides of the conflict.

The most popular and universally recognized definition is the following. Conflict is a manifestation of subjective and objective contradictions, which are expressed in the confrontation between the parties. Currently, there are several of its classifications, which were created for several reasons.

Types of conflicts in accordance with the level of opposing sides were allocated A. Zdravomyslov:

• Interindividual;
• Intergroup.

In general, its classification is descriptive.

The types of conflicts identified by R. Darendorf are universally recognized. This classification is currently the most popular, because it was able to cover a large number of parameters.

First, in accordance with the sources of origin, the scientist identifies conflicts of identification, values and interests.

Secondly, due to the social consequences of counteraction, they are unsuccessful or successful, constructive or creative, destructive or destructive.

Thirdly, conflicts are distinguished by their scale. In accordance with this there are: global, mega-conflicts, macro, micro, interstate, regional and local conflicts.

Fourth, conflicts differ in the forms of struggle (non-peaceful and peaceful).

Fifth, confrontations are divided according to the peculiarities of their origin (exogenous and endogenous).

Sixth, conflicts can be divided according to the ratio of subjects to them (latent, false, random and genuine).

Seventh, according to the peculiarities of tactics used in opposition, there are debates, a game and a battle.

A. Dmitrov singled out the types of social conflicts . His classification he built on several grounds.

• In accordance with the sphere of activity, there are political, economic, educational, social, labor, social and other conflicts.
• Types of conflict are also highlighted in relation to a specific subject. On this basis, there are: internal, or personal, as well as external (intergroup and interpersonal).

It is also accepted to distinguish the following types of conflicts in psychology:

• Role-plays, in which there is a problem of choosing one of the existing desired and possible options: intergroup, interpersonal and intrapersonal.
• Motivational, related to professional activities (dissatisfaction, constant overload and stress at work).
• Cognitive, which usually refers only to a particular person, his inner world and self-perception.

But the most common classification, which distinguishes the types of conflicts, is the following:

• On the intrapersonal level, there are usually internal confrontations of man (the struggle of motives, desires, and so on). Usually they are the most difficult to solve, because it is very difficult for a person to agree with himself.
• Conflicts at the intergroup level, which include opposition to the interests of certain groups in any area. They are most often generated by the struggle for those resources that are limited, as well as for spheres of influence in one organization. Usually in the collective there is a large number of informal and formal groups that have different interests, desires and aspirations.
• A variety of conflicts at the interpersonal level, the causes of which are different (family, professional and other).

As you can see, types of conflicts can be distinguished by many parameters and attributes.