Introduction
Ethnic groups have many differences and similarities that can either bring them together or tear them apart. When differences outweigh the similarities, often, a conflict develops out of numerous disagreements (Harvey, 2013). Ethnic conflicts are characterized by differences within an ethnic group or differences between two different groups. There are three theories used in explaining the concept of ethnic conflict.
First, there is the primordial’s theory that argues that ethnic groups exist because there are certain customs that make people believe in kinship and other biological features. This means that conflict within ethnic groups develops from external forces. Secondly, there is the instrumental’s theory that the existence of ethnic groups is not dependent on the kind of perceptions people develop about ethnicity (Harvey, 2013). However, the theory states that when people have different perceptions about the concept, then conflict is likely to erupt.
Thirdly, there is the constructivist theory, which argues that ethnic groups grow and acquire an identity through accommodation and assimilation. Construction and transfer of knowledge to people happen through processes that eventually result in a group of people different experiences but operating under a similar framework (Harvey, 2013).
This can easily lead to conflict. Various ethnic groups have conflicted with each other for a very long time. A good example of such conflicts is the Rwandan Civil War between Hutus and Tutsis that led to the infamous 1994 genocide (Thompson, 2007). This essay will explore the concept of ethnic conflict concerning the conflict between the Hutus and Tutsis of Rwanda.
Similarities and differences between Hutus and Tutsis
The venerable conflict between Hutus and Tutsis remains a mystery to conflict management experts around the world. The conflict, which started in the 20th century, has resulted in deaths of more than one million people, yet both groups share very close ethnic ties (Thompson, 2007). In the 1994 Rwanda genocide, Hutus targeted Tutsis in a war that lasted for over three months and resulted in a death toll of more than 800,000 people. Hutus and Tutsi are Bantu ethnic groups found in Rwanda and Burundi.
The two ethnic groups speak French and practice Christianity as their religion. The most notable ethnic difference between the two groups is that Hutus are generally shorter than the Tutsis. This is because Tutsis are originally from Ethiopia, while Hutus originated from the central African nation of Chad (Thompson, 2007). However, Tutsis are wealthier and belong to a higher social class than that of Hutus.
The animosity between these two groups stems from a supremacy battle for social status. This started in 1919 when Belgian colonialists who had conquered the country created social tensions between the two groups. Of the two ethnic groups, Hutus are the majority in terms of population (Thompson, 2007). However, despite their large numbers, this group has conflicted with the Tutsis for branding them like second-class citizens because they belong to a lower social class.
The Tutsis have dominated the Hutus in almost everything, including getting leadership positions in government. Tutsis believe that Hutus should work for them. This has further heightened the animosity between them over the years since most Hutus now live in Burundi where they hardly have a surplus of anything (Thompson, 2007). Originally, the Hutus controlled Rwanda before the Tutsis used their economic power and social prowess to out them out of the country.
The conflict started in 1994 when the president at the time, who came from the Hutu group, was assigned (Thompson, 2007). This sparked a series of attacks on Tutsis by the Hutus. Women and young children were most vulnerable to attacks. The Tutsis, who regained control and forced millions of Hutus to flee to neighboring Tanzania and Burundi, overpowered the Hutus. This conflict has now crossed over to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Thompson, 2007).
The concept of conformity and its relation to the two groups
The concept of conformity plays a crucial role in the development and management of ethnic conflicts. A common belief among people that they should act according to certain accepted standards can lead to ethnic conflict if not applied appropriately (Harvey, 2013). It involves a change in behavior or attitude among individuals in a group that wants to fulfill a certain social norm. This ideology creates a society that is not open-minded, thus cannot accept flexibility to accommodate others.
In the case of the ethnic conflict between the Hutus and the Tutsis, it is very clear that one group felt superior and powerful over the other one and did not want to let go that believe. The Tutsis believed that the Hutus were people belonging to a lower social class and thus did not deserve to dominate them in any way (Thompson, 2007). This delusion sparked the prolonged animosity between the two groups to the extent of creating an ethnic war.
The ethnic conflict between these two groups was characterized by frequent massacres of people belonging to both sides and forced exile for Hutus who moved to neighboring countries (Harvey, 2013). It is very important for people to develop an open-minded approach to dealing with differences within a group or involving another group because flexibility will often lead to positive outcomes.
Relationship between social perception and social cognition
Social perception refers to a process through which people try to understand their personalities and that of those around them. On the other hand, social cognition refers to a process through which people acquire, deduce, memorize, and share knowledge about themselves and their environment (Harvey, 2013). Socialization is a crucial process in the life of human beings, especially when it comes to decision-making.
People often decide on how to go about certain things depending on the experiences they had while interacting with others (Harvey, 2013). The process of socialization also helps people to develop their attitudes towards certain things, their beliefs, and their assessment about various situations that one encounters in life.
For the conflict between Hutus and Tutsis, their social process created gaps between them because they only observed those who were either rich or poor (Thompson, 2007). The social perceptions created by the two ethnic groups regarding the value of money in their lives had a disastrous effect. The social perception exists as a function of social cognition because one is dependent on the other to function.
Conclusion
To resolve this prolonged ethnic conflict between the Hutus and the Tutsis, it is important for both groups to change certain social perceptions. The first perception they need to change involves the relationship between financial resources and social status. The fact that someone is more financially well off does not mean others are lesser human beings compared to them.
The second social perception that they need to change involves the need to conform to certain social norms to achieve a certain objective. People can use other means to achieve a goal, especially if it involves avoiding hurting anyone. Although conflict management experts argue that conformity to certain believes provides a good mediation to ethnic conflicts, it is important to apply it properly to produce the desired outcome.
References
Harvey, P. (2013). Social Perception: 21st Century Issues and Challenges. New Jersey: Cengage Learning.
Thompson, A. (2007). The Media and the Rwanda Genocide. London: Oxford University Press.