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Introduction

Welcome to another week of our social studies lesson. Last week, I talked about the meaning of conflict, types of conflict, examples of conflicts as well as causes of conflicts.
Today I will be talking about the consequences of conflicts, how to manage conflict through some strategies and how to resolve conflict.
It going to be a wonderful lesson as always. Let learn with steem together.

Consequences of Conflicts

The consequences of conflict could be positive or negative. When it is positive, it means that the conflict has been effectively managed and results in improved mutual understanding and better relationships because the parties involved benefit as a result of the amicable settlement. But it is negative when it leads to the following:

(i) Break-down of law and order.
(ii) Uncertainty and confusion. Crime of all sorts, e.g., robbery, kidnapping, etc.
(iii) Destruction of lives and property.
(iv) Social and economic activities in the society are hindered.
(v) Schools, colleges, universities are
closed down, temporarily.
(vi) Students are rusticated or miss their academic sessions.
(vii) School calendar is adversely affected.
(viii) Theft and vandalization in school and society in general.
(ix) Hunger and diseases, like (kwashiorkor as experienced during the civil war in Nigeria).
(x) Hindering of all aspects of result. development in society, etc.

Conflict Management and Resolution Strategies

Conflict is the result of social relationships and, therefore, is inevitable in any society. Conflict is not always destructive or bad. Sometimes, it is necessary to correct some wrong actions and put things in order. Some can be creative. It is the negative or destructive conflict that is bad and requires quick intervention. Management has to do with early intervention before a conflict, i.e.. to prevent nit, as well as to stop a fresh conflict before it becomes worse, by separating the parties through effective management, to minimize its effects, and to avoid further degeneration of the situation.

Conflict resolution, on the other hand, has to do with settling a conflict that has long started through dialogue, bringing together the parties involved to know who is right or wrong. Steps towards a lasting solution to a conflict will be taken in the following ways:

(i) For instance, in our communities, rules and regulations could be made by the traditional ruler and his cabinet on certain issues; and such rules should be obeyed by everybody. A body (which is not a party in the conflict) should be set up to monitor and report traces of non-compliance or violation.
(ii) Conceding to the ideas or views of the other party for peace to reign and friendly atmosphere maintained.
(iii) Staying out of a conflict by remaining unsoncerned about whatever could cause the conflict situation.
(iv) Conflict could be managed by declaring war.
(v)Ordering a cease-fire by a neutral body, e.g., U.N.O., O.A.U.(now A.U.), etc.

Conflict Resolution

This has to do with trying to settle an on-going or existing conflict or disagreement so that the parties involved will be satisfied and live in peace.

Ways of conflict resolution include:
(i) Negotiation
(ii) Reconciliation
(iii) Mediation
(iv) Arbitration
(v) Litigation

Conflict could be resolved through one or more of the above-listed processes.

Negotiation: This has to do with the two parties involved in the conflict initiating and facilitating the settlement. They may agree to concede to each other some needs and interests to enable peace to reign.

Sourcesettling conflict through negotiations

Reconciliation: Before negotiation, both parties may have mentioned their points or grievances to explore the truth and agree to accept justice and forgiveness. This will facilitate restoration of failed relationship.

Mediation: This has to do with bringing in a third party or mediator to act as a middleman or a go-between, to take the conflict resolution by talking to the parties involved in the conflict. For instance, conflicts between countries are usually mediated by U.N.O. Besides, the African Union (A.U.) mediates in conflicts between member nations. The mediator will talk to the parties and appeal to their consciences for resolution.

Arbitration: This has to do with the parties involved in the conflict handing over their matter to an act as a judge, and agree to agree to an independent body with whatever decision or verdict of the body. For instance, the United Nations Organization, the African Union, also, sometimes, impose their verdicts on the parties in conflict.

Litigation: This has to do with going to a court for settlement when the above methods of resolution do not work. Litigation is taken as the final resort. Here, both the plaintiff and defendant become the litigants. Any ruling or by the judge in a law court must be obeyed and is final.

Conclusion

Wow! That has been the size of our lesson today. You can see that conflict has a lot of sad consequences which affects everyone, mostly the youth. It was nice to see some strategies which can be used in resolving conflict such as negotiations, Reconciliation, Mediation, Arbitration and Litigation.

Please do well to drop questions and feedback in the comment section.