Chapter 4 summary

Conflict is part of everyday life. Controversy creates and important opportunity to learn about issues that are of public concern in a democracy. Most conflict is settled before it ever gets to court. Conflict can either be a problem or a dissagreement. When you deal with conflict, it matters how maturely you respond to it. Sometimes there are disadvantages in going to court to resolve conflict because it is time consuming and expensive. Court can cause people to be even more angry because of the person you are going against will be there. You can solve disputes in multiple ways. You can use negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. Negotiation is usually used the most. Arbitration is still more formal and it resembles going to court. Negotiation is the process by which people involved in a dispute discuss their problem and try to reach a solution acceptable to all. You have to handle conflict responsibly. Negotiate when you have a disagreement. Sometimes people need lawyers to resolve conflict. You can work out a settlement or an agreement by both parties which saves you time and money. Arbitration means that both parties with a dispute agree to have one or more people listen to their arguments and make a decision for them. Arbitrators have the authority to make the final decisions. Mediation takes place when a third party helps the disputing parties talk about their problems and settle their differences. Mediators do not have the authority to make the final decisions. Ombudspersons are people who have the power to investigate complaints and then help the parties reach some agreement. In my opinion, people should read this chapter the most because it can help them solve conflicts in a better way in their own lives.