Conceptualising conflict in human society: a critique of some theoretical perspectives

Abstract

This paper is a critique of selected theoretical perspectives on conflict in human societies. The paper argues that whilst there are active armed conflicts in different parts of the world, there are no universally agreed causes of these conflicts. The paper identifies multi-conclusions from the handled theories. Thus, knowledge  of the inherent aggressiveness in humankind, the presence of human needs, culture and politics are not in themselves causes of armed conflict but can be used by politicians to mobilize masses for political gains.

Key words: conflict, theory, perspectives, humankind, aggressiveness, culture, politics.