Blowing Up: The Psychology of Conflict - The Psychology of Everyday Life

This is a powerful resource for anyone who wants to understand the nature of interpersonal conflict-to study it, understand why it's a consistent part of human history, and perhaps avert it in their own lives.

Why does conflict surround us in everyday life, from spats between individuals to major conflicts involving large groups? Is conflict inevitable? Why are conflicts and differences of opinion often so hard to resolve? Blowing Up: The Psychology of Conflict focuses on interpersonal conflict and the ways that this level of conflict can move beyond the original relationship to permeate larger constructs-small groups, large groups, whole organizations, and even entire nations. By examining both the positive and negative consequences of conflict-and by documenting its existence as normal and common-readers can appreciate how conflict does not immediately equate to negative feelings and how it also can be useful in creating rules and laws, aiding in negotiation, and bringing people together to work toward a common goal.



This clear and accessibly written book in Greenwood's Psychology of Everyday Life series provides students with an understanding of the important role conflict plays in our lives, the many forms conflict may take, and the ways that conflict can actually be constructive and useful as well as destructive to relationships, discussions, and groups. The historical overview of established theories and the study of conflict to date provides readers with invaluable perspective into the subject by identifying and analyzing specific conflicts, including well-publicized conflicts in foreign countries. The book also charts conflict throughout the life cycle to help students identify the reasons for conflicts that occur in their own lives-with parents, friends, siblings, employers, romantic partners, and people in authority.









Presents a fascinating investigation into the many forms of conflict and the ways these have an impact on everyday life



Establishes the importance of conflict in our lives, as well as the surprising concept that conflict can be constructive and useful rather than simply destructive



Provides an overview of the key theories and a historical study of conflict, including landmark research like the Robbers Cave experiment, social identity theory, and psychodynamic theory



Explores conflict throughout the life cycle with scenarios that readers will find familiar and which will resonate on a personal level



Provides a global perspective to underscore the nature of conflict and its existence in virtually every society in the world-a timely topic in an era of unprecedented divisiveness