The Standards of Living People in Ethnic Conflict - Research Paper Example

Introduction Studies have been conducted on the causes or factors that determine ethic conflict in the society. According to Ikejiaku (19), most of these factors can be prevented by a way of good leadership. The article by Ikejiaku examines the relationship between poverty and conflict in Africa. Variables used include corruption, environmental, and political factors that contribute to poverty. This article will be instrumental in the current study because it will highlight how such factors can be mitigated to reduce ethnicity. However, while many studies have documented on what leads to conflicts, very few of them have elucidated on the purpose of putting mechanisms in place in order to mitigate these factors. Objectives of the study To identify factors that determine ethnic conflict To evaluate how such factors can be mitigated To identify different ways of enhancing reconciliation of the involved groups Conceptual framework Independent variables dependent variable Aim of the study The study aims at assessing factors that determine ethic conflict. Information gathered from this research will be indispensable in enlightening the government on such issues. In turn, the government can design measures and mechanisms of reducing the rate of ethnic conflict. In addition, other researchers and scholars would find the findings of this research useful in the research as a discipline. The findings of the research are necessary in advancing the knowledge ethic conflict that can be used in uplifting the standards of living of people in conflict. Factors that determine ethnic conflict Apparently, the world is made of numerous conflicts that emanate from political, social and economic factors. In fact, most countries across the world have witnessed one or more factors that relate to ethnic conflict. Politically related ethnic conflict Most states and countries have political institutions that are meant to shape their political aspects. However, when these institutions are unable to function effectively, it is likely that ethnic related conflicts emerge relating to weak institution, struggles within the powerful elite corruption and identity politics. To begin with, states and countries experience weak institutions when they become incapable of managing the interests of different groups of people in a peaceful manner. As a result, the institutions reach a point where they can no longer accommodate the growing demand of the various groups resulting to fracture in the entire system (Blagonojevic 15). In his article, Blagonojevic argued that ethnic conflict occurs when some factors such as institutional factors converge. The article articulates on how institutions contribute to ethnicity and how the problem can be evaded. This article is critical in my research because it will shade light on how institutions fail in their mandate, something that lead to ethnicity. In addition, there are elite power struggles, and political exclusion showcased by numerous struggles of colonialism and liberations particularly in the Middle East, Asia and parts of Africa. During such eras, most political leaders struggle with maintaining power depending on their interest. For instance, some countries who are ruled by autocrats might suffer or forceful engagement in political activities while those emanating from democratic states are privileged to exercise their political rights. Similarly, the issue of corruption is very imperative in many states as it revolves around the misuse of public revenue by a few individuals who are motivated by political greed. As a result, conflict is bound to emerge when two or more political groups tend to make things better or otherwise (Heitmeyer 198). In their article, the authors examines risk factors associated victimization and social and cultural norms that allow violence which is manifested in a political way. This article will basically help my research by highlighting how individual differences can lead to ethnic conflict. Foreign interventions can also bring about ethnic conflict. When international community intervenes in matters concerning governance, the side that might be opposing the favoured group or their leaders may feel shortchanged by such interventions thus bringing in a new form of conflict (Simbowale 105). In his article, Simbowale argues that the problem facing Nigeria is as a result of colonialists who pretended to be uniting warring groups ended up separating them. This article is crucial in the current research because it will help in assessing ways that foreign intervention fuels ethnic conflict. Most of these cases are as a result of one group feeling that another group is being favored by the foreigners, something that threatens their well being or what they would term as oppression by the group. Socially related ethnic conflict In terms of social factors, it is worth noting that poverty, absence of social cohesion, exclusion, and marginalization are the main determinants of social conflict. First, the issue of inequality where some social groups are allegedly termed to be more important than the others call for conflict from the weak regarded social group as it struggles to gain recognition from its counterpart in vain. Secondly, social ethnic conflict is brought by the lack of social cohesion from various groups of people (Neumayer 278). The article by Neumayer indicates that political conflict affects tourism in many ways due to violation of human rights and other related threats. The article will be of help to the current research since it will indicate impact of ethnic conflict on tourism. For instance, in United States, there exists a racial conflict between the Natives and the African Americans. Thirdly, the exclusion and marginalization of some communities within state depicts the level of social unfairness that is experienced by a section of a state in relation to social aspects such as, social institutions. Basically, ethnic conflict is when there is unequal distribution of social amenities and their marginalization that is related to social political factors such as powerful politicians concentrating on making development in their ethnically designed regions and ignoring those region that do not belong to their ethnic communities. Belonging to difference cultural backgrounds, also play a huge role in ethnic conflict. For instance, some Arab countries have dedicated their effort towards fighting people who do not belong to their religious cultures especially Christians in those countries thus creating culture animosity (Niemeyer 262). In another dimension, individual differences can cause ethnic conflict. This is attributed to the idea of sense of belonging in many social groups (Gilley 1158). In his article, Gilley articulates on the fact that identity of social groups, which is manifested in the way they identify themselves lead to conflict when a member is threatened by another person from a different social group. This article will help the current research in understanding social ties that contribute to ethnic conflict. Therefore, a simple argument on issues such as beliefs and practices can elicit argument between two people. In turn, members of either of the two individuals may plan for retaliatory attacks on the other individuals group. This is seen as a way of protecting a member of their own, who is viewed as their own representative. In addition, boundary conflicts have also been correlated to ethnic conflict. For instance, members of one ethnic group may seek refuge to another ethnic group territory due to war. However, this may be seen as a move to take over their land and other resources in the name of seeking refuge thus bringing in conflict between the two groups. Resource and environment related ethnic conflict All over the world, it has been affirmed that most countries and state continue to experience ethnic conflict as a result of resources that are not properly utilized in their countries and environmental insecurity. On one hand, resources within a given country are brought about by greed or scarcity. In regard to greed, the few social and political figures that are able to access resources such as oil, precious stones among others make use of the resource for their own selfish gain and forget that the resources are meant for the general benefit of the given country or state. Conversely, scarcity occurs when the weak members of the society are incapable of accessing most of the resources despite the fact that they are part and parcel of the project. Of importance to note is that, scarcity and greed of resources is mostly fueled by the increase of population in a given country or state. Moreover, those who seize the opportunity to access the resources do not do much than exploit them excessively (Blagonojevic 4). Similarly, the environment is intertwined with resources as it becomes the receiving end of resource scarcity and greed. Apparently, when resources become scarce due to growth in population there is environmental insecurity. Of most importance is that, human beings have the tendency to ignore the ecosystem that is crucial in generating water, food medicine and non polluted air. Methods Interview Interviews will be utilized in gathering information from individuals of communities involved in ethnic conflict. Green (20) noted that interviews have an advantage of allowing an in-depth scrutiny of the phenomenon at hand. This method of data collection has a high response rate thus increasing the chances of gathering adequate information that leads to comprehensive conclusions. Both closed and open ended questions will be used. During interview, the researcher can be able to learn additional information some of which would not be possible through the use other methods. Gestures and other body language including emotions will help in deducing behaviors of the individual. Observation This method of data collection will be used to identify some aspects of individual behaviors towards others. With the help of knowledge of other disciplines such as psychology, the researcher is able to analyse some behaviors such as the way individuals interact with other members of the society especially those from the rivalry community or ethnicity. Data will be recorded as they occur depending on the length of time the observed individuals will be at the scene of data collection. Secondary data Relevant secondary data will be necessary in helping to evaluate and understand the gap that exists from pas research. Academic journals with empirical studies acts as good sources where the findings of research conducted are compared and analysed depending with the current trend of the issue under investigation. Books acts as a good source of information that is widely offered in a theoretical platform where different theories are applied to explain phenomenon. Conclusion With many deliberations on what determines ethnic conflict, it is apparent that political, cultural and social factors play a great part in fueling the conflict. Competition and superiority, can therefore, be argued to be the main cause of the conflicts. Dominance of one ethnic group elicits anger and the feeling of sidelined thus causing ethnic conflict. In ending these conflicts, there is a need to have a clear understanding of how such factors can be eliminated and improve cohesion and integrations of the involved groups. Works Cited: Blagonojevic, Bojana. Causes of Ethnic Conflict: A conceptual framework. Journal of Global change and Governance 3.1 (2009):1-25 Gilley, Bruce. “Against the concept of ethnic conflict.” Third World Quarterly 25. 6, (2004): 1155-1166. Print. Green, Judith. Principles of social research. Maidenhead; New York, NY: Open University Press. 2005.Print. Heitmeyer, Wilhelm et al. ‘Intimate Partner Violence’. International Journal Of Conflict and Violence 4.2(2013):198-202.Print. Ikejiaku, Brian-Vincent. “The Relationship between Poverty, Conflict and Development.” Journal of sustainable development 2. 1 (2009): 15-28. Print. Neumayer, Eric. ‘The Impact of Political Violence on Tourism’. Journal of Conflict Resolution 48.2(2004):259-281. Print Simbowale, Tokunbo. et al. “Ethnic Conflicts in Contemporary Africa: The Nigerian Experience”. Journal of Science 12. 2(2006): 101-114. Print. Read More