Collision of wills : how ambiguity about social rank breeds conflict / Roger V. Gould ; foreword by Peter Bearman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gould, Roger V., author.

Contributor:

Bearman, Peter S., 1956- writer of foreword.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Violence.

Social groups.

Social control.

Social conflict.

Dominance (Psychology).

Group identity.

Interpersonal conflict.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (220 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Chicago, Illinois : University of Chicago Press, 2003.

Summary:

Minor debts, derisive remarks, a fight over a parking space, butting in line—these are the little things that nevertheless account for much of the violence in human society. But why? Roger V. Gould considers this intriguing question in Collision of Wills. He argues that human conflict is more likely to occur in symmetrical relationships—among friends or social equals—than in hierarchical ones, wherein the difference of social rank between the two individuals is already established. This, he maintains, is because violence most often occurs when someone wants to achieve superiority or dominance over someone else, even if there is no substantive reason for doing so. In making the case for this original idea, Gould explores a diverse range of examples, including murders, blood feuds, vendettas, revolutions, and the everyday disagreements that compel people to act violently. The result is an intelligent and provocative work that restores the study of conflict to the center of social inquiry.

Contents:

Conflict, honor, and hierarchy

Dominance relations

Strife out of symmetry

Solidarity and group conflict

Conflict and social structure

Honor and the individual.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [183]-193) and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780226305516

0226305511

OCLC:

1175917900