Conflict

Disputes over competing priorities, needs and interests are a part of life in any society. Some societies try to hide conflict of this kind, thinking talking about it undermines social harmony. In democratic societies, however, people are encouraged to articulate and discuss their differences openly. It makes for more effective and fairer decision-making, and the disputes tend to get resolved instead of being left to smoulder. In school, young people reflect upon the types of conflict current in their community. They learn ways of resolving conflict by non-violent means, such as peer mediation.