Human Social Dynamics: Harmony, Conflict, and Socialization

Social Harmony and Disharmony

In humans, two opposing trends coexist: the inclination to live with and alongside others, but also the confrontation and opposition to others. Both phenomena are due to a rather special characteristic of human beings: in the words of Kant, their unsocial sociability. The human being is essentially sociable, needing and wanting the company and recognition of others; yet, on the other hand, lives in fear of being swallowed, hence the need for individuation. Closely related to this desire is the need for privacy and solitude.

These trends coexist in most societies in a balanced and stable manner. The tendency of every human being to assert individuality and, at times, to oppose others and society at large, contributes to enrich the latter. Dissent and criticism, which characterize these tendencies, become powerful instruments of social transformation. Conflict, paradoxically, can be an important cohesive element. Most societies have channeled these tendencies in socially acceptable ways, so that they only rarely escalate into open violence. This allows for rivalry, competitiveness, and the desire to triumph without resulting in destabilization.

The Process of Socialization

The process of acquisition and assimilation of skills, norms, and beliefs is called socialization.