The Causes of Conflict

1. 1. What is the function of paragraph 1?

2. 2. List and briefly explain the main causes of aggressive behavior presented in the text.

3."Toys are torn to pieces. Females are literally torn limb from limb." (lines 11–12, paragraph 3). What do these examples illustrate?

4. 4. What do the desire for property and the desire to be loved have in common? (paragraph 5)

5. 5. How do the writers explain their observation that children will accept a dog into the group before they accept another child? (para.7).

6. 6. What is the main difference between the last cause listed and the other causes of aggression discussed in the article?

7. 7. What is the writers' main claim about the final cause presented in paragraph 9?

8. Explain the example that the writers use to support this cause.

How does possessiveness, as described in the article, manifest in contemporary society, and what real-world examples of conflicts can be attributed to possessive behaviour?

What are the potential consequences of possessiveness and aggression in various social settings, such as families, workplaces, or international relations? How can understanding these behaviours help prevent conflicts?

The article suggests that some aggression may arise from irrational judgments of value. Can you think of situations where individuals or groups have engaged in conflicts that seem irrational or disproportional when viewed from an outside perspective? What might be the underlying causes of such behaviour?

In the context of possessiveness and aggression, how can individuals and groups effectively manage and resolve conflicts? Are there strategies that can be employed to promote cooperation and reduce the negative impact of possessive tendencies?

The article discusses the idea that aggression can stem from frustration in one's own activity. Provide examples from your own life or society where frustration has led to aggressive behaviour. How can understanding this connection help improve conflict resolution and anger management approaches?