Participative conversational methodologies for conflict transformation

Abstract

Conflicts are not inherent to human beings, nor to social relations, nor to society. This statement is not a trivial matter because, if conflict was inherent to human life there would be no choice but to try to live as well as possible with it, but if it is not, if it is contingent, measures can be adopted so that it does not take place or to transform it if it has occurred. One thing are the internal contradictions/oppositions of life, the imbalances or crises which are consubstantial with biological and social life, and another, conflicts. However, it will not be by appealing to the good will of those who meet their needs in a violating or destructive way that, just like that, they will stop doing so, nor will those who suffer distress necessarily advocate that their needs be addressed in a synergic way; they may opt for other modes of dealing with them without the conflict being transformed in a satisfactory way for society as a whole. For this to happen, the basis that sustains the way needs are met in a violating or destructive manner must be eliminated or, at least, substantially diminished. To this end, it is necessary to involve not only the group realities related to those who suffer from the distress, but also the group realities that are distant and indifferent, trying to awaken the interest of those who are alienated. The implementation of participative conversational processes for the construction of knowledge and proposals for action, with which to avoid conflicts or to transform them satisfactorily (if they have already crystallized), can contribute to this.