Basic Conflict
Definition:
Basic Conflict refers to the fundamental discrepancy or opposition between an individual’s innate biological drives and societal constraints.
Key Concepts:
- Innate Biological Drives: These are the instinctual psychological forces that motivate and compel an individual’s behavior, such as the need for survival, hunger, thirst, and desires for pleasure and reproduction.
- Societal Constraints: These are the rules, norms, and expectations imposed by society on individuals, influencing their behavior and limiting the expression of their biological drives to ensure social order and harmony.
Explanation:
Basic Conflict arises from the clash between an individual’s instinctual desires and the societal regulations that may restrict or inhibit the fulfillment of these desires. This conflict manifests as an ongoing tension between one’s inherent biological motives and the external pressures to conform to social norms.
Impact:
The Basic Conflict theory, proposed by psychologist Karen Horney, suggests that unresolved conflicts between biological drives and societal constraints can lead to psychological distress, interpersonal difficulties, and potentially maladaptive coping mechanisms. This conflict can also shape an individual’s personality development and influence their overall well-being and satisfaction in life.
Examples:
- An individual who experiences strong sexual desires but belongs to a repressive culture that enforces strict moral codes may experience Basic Conflict between their innate sexual drive and societal expectations of restraint and modesty.
- Another example could be an individual who craves autonomy and independence but lives in a collectivist society that prioritizes conformity and obedience, leading to a conflict between their desire for personal freedom and the pressure to conform to group norms.
Resolution:
Resolving Basic Conflict involves finding a balance between one’s internal biological urges and societal demands. This can be achieved through self-reflection, open-mindedness, and adapting to societal norms while also pursuing personal fulfillment. Therapy and self-awareness can aid in exploring and reconciling these conflicting forces.