konfliktem

Konfliktem is a neologism used in some academic writings to denote a framework for analyzing how conflicts are produced, framed, and managed within social systems. The term is not part of a formal discipline, and its usage is limited to certain theoretical discussions and graduate-level teaching materials.

Origin and scope: The word appears in late-2010s to early-2020s literature as a cross-disciplinary construct drawing on conflict theory, discourse analysis, and organizational sociology. It aims to treat conflict as both a social process and a product of communicative practices, rather than solely as a discrete event.

Core concepts: The konfliktem framework typically identifies four components: conflicting claims or narratives; mediating institutions or actors that shape frames; power asymmetries that influence the visibility and outcome of disputes; and dynamic feedback where resolutions reframe future conflicts. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of discourse, governance, and social structure in shaping what counts as a conflict and how it unfolds.

Applications: Researchers apply konfliktem to analyze political debates, media coverage, workplace disputes, and community conflicts, focusing on how language, policy, and institutional design sustain or mitigate tensions. The approach encourages attention to framing, participation, and unintended consequences of attempts at resolution.

Criticism and status: Critics argue that the term is underspecified and overlaps with existing concepts like conflict analysis or discourse theory, offering limited criteria for empirical measurement. Proponents respond that it provides a concise shorthand for cross-cutting processes; ongoing work seeks clearer definitions, case comparisons, and methodological guidelines.