Conflict & Social Processes: Types, Theories, and Real-World Dynamics

TAKEAWAYS:

• Conflict is a social process that can be functional (strengthens norms) or dysfunctional (disrupts stability), depending on how it’s managed.
• Types of conflict: Manifest (open) vs. latent (hidden); intra-group vs. inter-group; personal vs. structural.
• Theories explain conflict: Marx saw it as class struggle; Weber emphasized status/party conflicts; Coser argued it’s functional for group cohesion.
• Social processes (cooperation, competition, accommodation, assimilation) shape how societies adapt or resist change.
• Real-world ties: Conflict in Nepal’s caste system (e.g., Dalit movements) or digital exclusion (e.g., rural users left out of eSewa) show how technology and tradition clash.
• Exam focus: Define conflict, compare theories, and link examples (e.g., Pathao driver strikes = competition vs. cooperation).

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1. Conflict: Definition and Nature as a Social Process

Conflict is a struggle over values, resources, or power between individuals, groups, or institutions. Unlike violence, it’s not inherently negative—it can expose inequalities (e.g., gender pay gaps) or drive social change (e.g., civil rights movements).

Why Conflict Matters in Society

• Exposes tensions: Highlights hidden inequalities (e.g., Dalit vs. upper-caste conflicts in Nepal).
• Drives adaptation: Forces groups to negotiate (e.g., labor strikes leading to better wages).
• Can be functional or dysfunctional:
  • Functional: Strengthens group identity (e.g., student protests uniting against fee hikes).
  • Dysfunctional: Destabilizes society (e.g., ethnic clashes disrupting elections).

Real-World Example: eSewa’s Digital Divide

• Conflict type: Structural (access vs. exclusion).
• How it works: Urban users pay bills via eSewa, but rural users lack smartphones/internet. This creates a digital caste system.
• Outcome: Government pushes Khalti’s offline modes, but conflicts persist over literacy gaps.

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2. Types of Conflict

Conflicts vary by scope, visibility, and cause. Here’s how they’re classified:

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3. Theories Explaining Conflict

Sociologists offer three key perspectives on conflict:

A. Marxist Theory (Class Struggle)

• Core idea: Conflict arises from economic inequality between bourgeoisie (owners) and proletariat (workers).
• Example in Nepal:
  • Landlord vs. tenant conflicts in rural areas (e.g., Bhoomi reform movements).
  • Factory workers striking against textile owners (e.g., Hetauda garment industry protests).
• Criticism: Ignores non-economic conflicts (e.g., cultural or religious disputes).

B. Weberian Theory (Status/Power Struggles)

• Core idea: Conflict isn’t just about class—it’s about status (prestige) and power (political parties, castes).
• Example:
  • Caste-based conflicts: Dalits demanding reservation in jobs/education.
  • Political parties: NC vs. UML competing for power (e.g., 2022 election disputes).
• Key term: Party (Weber’s term for groups competing for power, like student unions).

C. Functionalist Theory (Coser’s View)

• Core idea: Conflict is normal and necessary for social cohesion.
  • How? It clarifies norms, strengthens group identity, and pushes for change.
• Example:
  • Student unions protesting TU exam leaks → forces university to reform.
  • Farmers blocking roads over electricity shortages → NTC improves rural power supply.

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4. Social Processes: How Societies Handle Conflict

Conflict isn’t the only social process—societies also cooperate, compete, accommodate, or assimilate. Here’s how they work:

Worked Example: Pathao Driver Strikes

• Conflict: Drivers demand higher pay due to low fares set by Pathao.
• Social Process:
  1. Competition: Pathao vs. Karma Taxi (both cut driver earnings).
  2. Cooperation: Drivers unionize and strike.
  3. Accommodation: Pathao raises base fare by 20%.
• Outcome: Shows how competition can lead to cooperation and policy change.

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5. Conflict and Social Change

Conflict isn’t static—it drives or resists change. Key factors:

A. Factors Leading to Social Change via Conflict

1. Technological Change
   • Example: Smartphone adoption in Nepal → eSewa/Khalti replace cash, but rural exclusion causes backlash.
2. Economic Change
   • Example: Tourism boom in Pokhara → land grabs by hotels vs. local farmers.
3. Cultural Change
   • Example: #MeToo movement in Nepal → workplace harassment laws passed.
4. Political Change
   • Example: 2006 People’s Movement → end of monarchy.

B. How Conflict Can Block Change

• Example: Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) initially pushed for democracy but divided the country.
• Result: Peace process required accommodation (truth commissions, new constitution).

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6. Conflict in Digital Society: Cybercrime and Social Media

Technology amplifies conflicts but also creates new forms:

Real-World Example: NEPSE Scams

• Conflict: Stock market fraud via fake apps (e.g., “Nepal Investment Bank” scams).
• Social Process:
  • Competition: Legit brokers vs. scammers.
  • Accommodation: SEBON bans unregistered apps.
• Outcome: Shows how digital conflict requires new laws.

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In the Real World

1. eSewa/Khalti and Rural Exclusion

   • Idea: Digital divide as a structural conflict.
   • How it works: Urban users pay bills instantly, but rural users rely on physical queues at banks.
   • Outcome: Government introduces Khalti’s offline mode, but literacy barriers remain.

2. Pathao vs. Karma Taxi: Gig Worker Strikes

   • Idea: Competition → Cooperation → Accommodation.
   • How it works: Drivers for Pathao/Karma strike over low pay, forcing apps to raise fares.
   • Lesson: Shows how market competition can lead to worker rights wins.

3. NTC Electricity Cuts: Protests and Policy Change

   • Idea: Conflict as functional change.
   • How it works: Farmers block roads over power cuts → NTC prioritizes rural grids.
   • Result: 2023 rural electrification plan passed.

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Exam Tip

1. Define conflict clearly (e.g., “a struggle over scarce resources”).
2. Compare theories with Nepalese examples:
   • Marx → labor strikes.
   • Weber → caste politics.
   • Functionalist → student protests.
3. Link to social processes:
   • Competition (e.g., Daraz vs. Sastodeal).
   • Accommodation (e.g., Truth Commission).
4. Use real-world data:
   • NTC’s 2023 rural power plan (shows conflict → change).
   • eSewa’s 5M+ users vs. 2M offline (digital divide).
5. Avoid vague answers:
   • ❌ “Conflict is bad.”
   • ✅ “Manifest conflict (e.g., Madhesi protests) can be functional if it leads to constitutional amendments.”

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