Managing Conflict, Transforming Society: A Peacebuilding Perspective on Social Change

Conflict and social change are often perceived as antagonistic forces, yet contemporary scholarship reveals their deep interconnection. Far from being a pathological disruption of social order, conflict is integral to human interaction and frequently serves as a catalyst for transformation. This article examines the role of conflict transformation in driving social change, situating the discussion within the broader field of Peace and Conflict Studies. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Galtung, Lederach, Tilly, Tarrow, and Sharp, among others, it explores how conflicts, when managed constructively, channel dissent into innovation, new social norms, and institutional reforms. The analysis integrates insights on collective behaviors, social movements, nonviolent resistance, activism, and political demonstrations to demonstrate how conflict transformation not only mitigates violence but also fosters sustainable social progress. By reframing conflict as an opportunity rather than an aberration, the article argues that social change emerges most effectively when societies embrace conflict’s transformative potential.