Tangible & Intangible Types of Conflict
A conflict often arises from a conflict of interest, a differing of opinions between two parties. This conflict may be tangible, based on quantifiable measures as a source, or intangible, based on differences in an intangible dimension such as in values or ethics. Both of these conflicts may or may not include a tangible event; it is the source of the conflict that determines its tangibility.
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Micro Level Tangible Conflict
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An interpersonal conflict is a type of tangible conflict that involves a disagreement between two parties over a tangible item, such as land. A conflict of this sort is classified as a micro level tangible conflict, because it occurs at the level of individual people or groups and not on a large-scale societal level. In order for a conflict to be interpersonal, its source must be a struggle for a tangible item, even if that item is simply money.
Macro Level Tangible Conflict
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A tangible conflict may occur at a macro level if it involves a disagreement of a group of people versus a large body, such as a government or corporation. These conflicts usually occur between an individual or a group who believes that a larger body has taken something tangible from him or them. They may either pursue judicial or violent methods to engage in this conflict, but a macro level tangible conflict typically results in a tangible event.
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Micro Level Intangible Conflict
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A micro level intangible event can occur when the source of conflict is that which cannot be expressed tangibly. One example of a clash of values is when nonlocals move into a place and attempt to assimilate the native people without attempting to understand their culture first. A clash of values occurs at the social level of interaction between humans, and is a micro level conflict because it occurs at an individualistic or group level.
Macro Level Intangible Conflict
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A dispute over human rights is a macro level intangible conflict. Human rights are the concern of an entire body of government, and when rights are called into question, it is the government who must answer. However, rights are also intangible, as they are not seen, just an expression of values and ethics. These kinds of conflicts occur all the time, and often involve outside agencies getting involved in the conflict, such as humanitarian groups.
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References
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