In psychology class, we learnt social identity theory. Social identity theory argues that a person has not just one “personal self”, but rather several social selves that correspond to group memberships. We are categorised in terms of group membership. There are in group favouritism and out group discrimination involved as people tends to support or help their own group members and tends to dislike people from the out group. This may due to social comparison, social identification and social categorisation.

One of the studies of social identity theory is called Sherif Robber’s cave. It is carried out among a group of boys. These boys were divided into two groups. The researchers then introduced conflicts through games. The boys gave negative ratings to boys in the other group and showed hostility towards the other group. In the end, the researchers decided to bring the conflicts to a stop. They created some situations which needed boys from both group to work together to reach a common goal. The result was that cooperation led to less negative ratings of the other group and the end of intergroup hostility. So, we can conclude that when two opposite group work together, there is less out group discrimination and social comparison.

UWC values encourage diversity and peace. So how can we reduce conflict and unite peace amongst people?To avoid conflict, we should stop discriminating and categorising people regardless of their culture, race, gender and even social identity. We should not see “out group” as our enemies and fight over them. Everyone in the community should unite tightly and create peace together. And try to think of others.

In some countries, there are often conflicts happening between blacks and white. The white always think that they are higher than blacks and discriminate the blacks. But it is obviously wrong. Everyone is equal regardless of their races. We should respect each other and accept each other.

I think understanding and acceptance play a key role in avoiding conflicts!