Conflict Analysis and Resolution.
The Basic Human Needs Theory (BHNT) is a tool to analyze and resolve conflict resolution entails that a society is an integrated entity with universal norms, confirming behavior that govern the interaction amongst individuals. As indicated by Gutlan et. al (1990) However, several assumptions have to be made to allow the theory attain credibility as a suitable means of measure. First, it is assumed that social values do or ought to take precedence over individual values. Societies are viewed as integrated systems. Should this assumption fail to hold, it is the responsibility of the leadership to achieve integration. Even though in the short term there might be a curb on individual freedom and development, it is viewed that in the long run, the interests of most citizens are best catered for by the preservation of these social institutions and structures.
On the contrary, another notion implied in the integrated social system that seems to contradict the previous assumption is that, integrated social systems are only made possible via the sharing of values and some element of coercion. Hence, individual values can be subordinated to social values by having their behavior being controlled. Coercion theory and any other value theory admit the existence of non-normative behavior. Here, deviance is attributed to the failure of the system to enforce its values of the individual. Conflict may arise where there is a strain between the individual needs and the norms dictated by the society as stated by Galtung et al (1990). More so, these assumptions extensively cover principal sources of conflict between the person and the community. They sufficiently warrant institutions of authority to enforce social behavior of the individual. Not only is enforcement desirable, but the assumption is also that it is possible at all levels.
Galtung expressed certain views which epitomized the change in perception of conflict from a state perspective to a significant shift in the role of human beings in fostering conflict. Among his reasons for the use of the human being as the unit of analysis for conflict was individualism. Individualism leads to needs which were essential for checking the theory of requirements that would lead to conflicts but not cooperation. Satisfaction of material needs leads to the composition of material wants as one perceives to satisfy his/her needs mainly of material components, but such material components are scarce. Thus, the occurrence of providing priority to one’s wants as the more an individual possess less shall be owned by a similar person and as such the absolute possibility of human needs.
According to Galtung et. al (1990) verticality among people fosters competition and thus confits. Hierarchical needs are prevalent in society as vertical ordering is used. People are frequently ranked, and as such this has developed into a cultural norm. Competitive instincts have existed from earlier generations which others rule over the rest. Defiant tendencies towards leadership structures lead to conflicts. Vertical divisions of labor in which individuals benefit from the efforts of others that may result in the abuse of power is a rational reason for conflict as developmental opportunities may be unevenly spread out.
Galtung contends the necessity to satisfy some basic needs of freedom, meaning and good welfare as sources of conflict when these needs are not satisfied. Freedom is considered basic according to Galtung due to the large masses that may desire freedom thus basic as it is specified in terms of physical mobility. Burton asserts that conflicts at social levels are sure to arise, especially when institutions frustrate needs. Reassessment of institutions and policies should be done to ensure intellectual response when needs are not met and are solved when they arise to avert crisis. Various reasons have resulted in the change of focus on conflict resolution from the state of the human being as aforementioned above confirming the assertion by Galtung et. al (1990) that the state is not primarily the cause of conflict in society.
References
Galtung, J. (1990). International development in human perspective. In Conflict: Human needs theory (pp. 301-335). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
