The Arab Spring and Coser's Theory of Social Conflict
Lewis Coser's theory of social conflict posits that conflict doesn't always lead to societal breakdown, but can actually serve to strengthen group cohesion and facilitate positive change.
To illustrate this theory, let's examine the Arab Spring, a series of uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa between 2010 and 2012.
The Conflict:
The Arab Spring was fueled by a potent cocktail of grievances: widespread poverty, corruption, political repression, and a lack of economic opportunities. These factors simmered for years before erupting in protests and demonstrations across Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria, and other countries.
Coser's Functions of Conflict:
According to Coser, conflict can fulfill several functions within a society:
Strengthening Group Cohesion: The shared experience of struggle against a common enemy often strengthens the bonds within a group. This was evident in the Arab Spring, where protesters from diverse backgrounds united under the banner of shared grievances and aspirations.
Boundary Formation and Maintenance: Conflict can solidify the boundaries between groups, highlighting their differences and solidifying their identities. The Arab Spring served to define and strengthen the identities of various social movements, such as youth activists, labor unions, and human rights groups.
Conclusion:
The Arab Spring stands as a complex case study in understanding the role of conflict in social change. While it brought immense suffering and uncertainty, it also served as a powerful example of how collective action can challenge the status quo and push for positive change.