International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict
	Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado, USA

Domination Conflicts

Opening Page | Glossary | Menu Shortcut Page

Domination conflicts are conflicts about who is on top (and bottom) of the social, economic, and/or political hierarchy.  Such conflicts may occur between individual people (for example, between siblings, schoolmates, or co-workers), between groups (for instance between different racial or ethnic groups), or between nations.  These conflicts tend to be very difficult to resolve because no one wants to be on the bottom, and few are willing to share the top.  Although there are a few societies around the world that allow everyone (at least adults) equal status, most societies do have some form of social hierarchy with some people in stronger, more dominant positions, and other people in weaker, lower positions.  Invariably, the people on the bottom want to reverse the relationship, while the people on the top want to maintain it.  Unless the top people are willing to share their top position with everyone else (thus eliminating many of the benefits of being on the top), the conflict will most likely continue.  Even if those on the bottom are able to reverse the situation and become the leadership group, the conflict will continue as the new group on the bottom will begin their attempt to climb to the top. 

Copyright ©1998 Conflict Research Consortium  -- Contact: crc@colorado.edu