Causes and Consequences of Conflict
- Learning for Life and Work
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Conflict can arise at different levels: local, national, and global.
Local conflict occurs within a specific community or small geographical area. It often involves disputes between individuals, groups, or organisations within a town or region.
National conflict affects an entire country, often involving political, social, or economic disagreements that create divisions within a nation.
Global conflict extends beyond national borders, involving multiple countries, international organisations, or different groups across the world. These conflicts can arise from political tensions, economic disputes, or cultural differences.
Causes of Conflict
Conflict can arise at any level of society for a wide range of reasons. Common causes include:
disputes over land
political disagreements
religious and cultural differences
competition for resources.
In most cases, conflicts stem from a combination of factors, making it difficult to determine which cause is the most significant.
Causes of Conflict in Northern Ireland (Local Conflict)
Several factors contribute to ongoing tensions in Northern Ireland:
Historical grievances stemming from past experiences during the Troubles.
Economic decline, particularly the loss of socio-economic status following the closure of large factories and industries.
Identity concerns, where some communities feel that aspects of the peace process undermine their cultural identity, leading to a defensive and territorial mindset.
Symbolism and territorial marking, including the use of parades, marches, and flags, which can reinforce divisions and heighten tensions between groups.
Political differences, which are often closely tied to identity and can create a sense of threat to the status of opposing groups.
Consequences of Conflict in Northern Ireland (Local Conflict)
A culture of violence, where ongoing tensions contribute to unrest and aggression.
An increase in anti-social behavior, including incidents of so-called 'recreational rioting'.
Sectarianism and division, rooted in past experiences and a lack of social integration.
Bigotry and prejudice, which can thrive in the absence of understanding and tolerance.
A rise in racially motivated harassment and attacks, as some communities become insular and perceive outsiders as a threat.
Consequences of Conflict
For the Individual
Denial of basic human rights, including restricted access to food, water, and healthcare.
Exposure to violence, such as witnessing death, mass killings, torture, and hostage-taking.
Forced displacement, with individuals being uprooted from their homes.
Decline in quality of life, leading to poor living conditions and limited access to essential services.
Disruption of education, preventing individuals from gaining knowledge and skills for the future.
For Society
Reduced quality of life and living standards, leading to widespread poverty and inequality.
Breakdown of essential services, including the collapse of education and healthcare systems.
Destruction of homes and infrastructure, leaving communities in ruins.
Loss of life and skills, as high death tolls create labor shortages and hinder societal progress.
Damage to critical infrastructure, such as water supply, electricity, transport, and roads, making daily life difficult.
For the Economy
Economic decline, with businesses struggling and trade coming to a halt.
Job losses and high unemployment, reducing financial stability for individuals and families.
Rising costs and inflation, making basic goods and services unaffordable.
Food shortages, leading to hunger and malnutrition.
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Write down two causes of local conflict (1mark)
Land disputes
People’s past experiences of the troubles
Explain one cause of conflict between countries (2marks)
Territorial expansion. A country may attempt to invade or take control of another country’s land to increase its own power or resources. This can escalate tensions between countries, leading to armed conflict or war between the nations.
Describe one consequence of conflict on an individual (2marks)
One consequence of local conflict on an individual is damage to their home, which may force them to seek alternative accommodation. This can cause financial strain and emotional distress as they struggle to find a safe and stable place to live.
Explain two ways conflict in a country can affect families who live there (4marks)
Family members may be injured or killed, causing deep emotional distress and long-term trauma for those left behind. (2marks)
Families may be forced to leave their homes due to danger or destruction. This can result in homelessness and difficulties for families to access basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare. (2marks)
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