Conflict destructive at one level can integrate the larger group

Evidence

Since discord unfolds its negative, destructive character between particular individuals, we naively conclude that it must have the same effect on the total group. In reality, however, something which is negative and damaging between individuals if it is considered in isolation and as aiming in a particular direction, does not necessarily have the same effect within the total relationship of these individuals. For a very different picture emerges when we view the conflict in conjunction with other interactions not affected by it. The negative and dualistic elements play an entirely positive role in this more comprehensive picture, despite the destruction they may work on particular relations. All this is very obvious in the competition of individuals within an economic unit. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 280

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Forced unification into large structures intensifies differentiation and repulsion among parts. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 660; Irreconcilable conflict gives society its texture, durability, and resilience — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 93; Conflict is a positive force distinct from mere indifference — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 276 (+19 more)

Related

• Conflict is a positive force distinct from mere indifference (similarity 0.86)
• Order inside groups mirrors the same mutual-restraint mechanism as between groups (similarity 0.86)
• Forced unification into large structures intensifies differentiation and repulsion among parts. (similarity 0.86)
• More cooperation is not always desirable across all groups. (similarity 0.85)
• Irreconcilable conflict gives society its texture, durability, and resilience (similarity 0.85)
• The firmly grounded relation dares conflict while weak ones avoid it (similarity 0.83)
• The state recovered lost social direction by constructing a unified internal enemy (similarity 0.83)
• A party can function as a general ideology superintending scattered rival groups (similarity 0.83)
• Simmel’s conflicts are mostly productive rather than tragic (similarity 0.82)
• The most unconditional conflicts rest on the strictest shared norms (similarity 0.81)
• Each mode of production is driven forward by overcoming its own contradictions (similarity 0.81)
• Conflicts and problems serve life independently of ever being solved (similarity 0.80)
• Societies require a mix of discord and harmony to take determinate shape (similarity 0.80)
• Objectified conflict follows its own intrinsic logic without subjective moderation (similarity 0.79)
• Purpose-driven conflict can be substituted but feeling-driven conflict cannot (similarity 0.79)