Repository | Book | Chapter

Major episodes of unanticipated social conflict during the past three decades have called attention to the failure of existing social theories to develop an adequate conception of the human individual in society. Without such a theoretical foundation, deep rooted conflict cannot be resolved, and the field of conflict resolution itself becomes the preserve of those interested in settling disputes within the framework of existing power relationships and systemic structures. Basic human needs theory may, if properly developed, provide a basis for practical conflict resolution, as well as a method of freeing the field from the misleading assumptions and outmoded methods of other disciplines. But for conflict resolution to become a method of inducing the changes in institutions and systems necessary to satisfy basic human needs, mass political action will often be necessary.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-349-21003-9_18

Full citation: