Conflict resolution in community development: Are the benefits worth the costs?

Abstract

In the UK, conflict resolution strategies have become increasingly popular within community development practice. Conflict resolution has been used to prevent homelessness, tackle neighbourhood disputes, address family conflict, facilitate community involvement, address discrimination and reduce anti-social behaviour. The promise of conflict resolution is that confidential and informal processes of ‘justice from below’ might better reconcile community interests, improve relationships and promote social change. Within the field of community development, these promises have been widely vaunted. However, outside community development, conflict resolution has been subject to extensive criticism. This article draws upon debates in legal scholarship to discuss four criticisms in particular: that conflict resolution disadvantages vulnerable groups, undermines social justice, suppresses legitimate grievances and mistreats public issues as private problems. It then considers these criticisms in relation to community development practice and explores potential solutions.

Memperkuat Integrasi Nasional Di Era Digital : Penguatan Resolusi Konflik Di Era Digital Sebagai Perwujudan Warga Negara Yang Baik

“…Pembelajaran resolusi konflik membantu mengembangkan keterampilan komunikasi yang efektif (Asenjo Palma, 2018). Jika siswa diajarkan dalam resolusi konflik, mereka juga diajarkan untuk menghargai perbedaan dan mencari solusi bersama dalam menghadapi konflik.…”

Strategi Pengembangan Kemampuan Resolusi Konflik Melalui Pembelajaran Sosiologi bagi Peserta Didik Sekolah Menengah Atas

“…Resolusi konflik berupaya memfasilitasi penyelesaian masalah secara kolaboratif dan integratif untuk mewujudkan solusi yang dapat menguntungkan setiap orang, sehingga resolusi konflik dapat mengatasi konflik di lingkungan masyarakat, mengatasi konflik keluarga, memberikan fasilitas dalam melibatkan masyarakat, mengurangi perilaku antisosial dan menangani diskriminasi (Asenjo, 2019). Resolusi konflik juga memfasilitasi transformasi individu.…”