Examine examples of conflict between the following synthetic cultures
and identify examples of "common ground" in positive expectations and/or
values that persons from both synthetic cultures share.
1. Conflict between an Alpha and a Beta.
Alphas emphasize a hierarchy of power where each person has her or
his place, showing respect to those above and expecting obedience from
those below that level. Betas dislike uncertainty and do not tolerate ambiguity
so there is a structure of laws which must be obeyed that go beyond the
needs of individuals or society. A possible conflict between Alpha and
Beta might be a high power level group of Alphas who do whatever they like
and disregard the rules in spite of objection by Betas in that society.
2. Conflict between an Alpha and a Gamma
Alphas emphasize a hierarchy of power where each person has her or
his place showing respect to those above and expecting obedience from those
below that level. Gammas are individualistic and believe everyone should
take care of themselves and remain emotionally independent from groups,
organizations or society. A possible conflict between Alphas and Gammas
might be a group of Gammas who fail to show proper respect for the Alpha
leaders.
3. Conflict between an Alpha and a Delta
Alphas emphasize a hierarchy of power where each person has her or
his place showing respect to those above and expecting obedience from those
below that level. Deltas are assertive, materialistic, and success oriented,
seeking rapid progress and ultimate domination in their relationships with
others. A possible conflict would be a group of Deltas who attack the Alpha
hierarchy as uneconomic and inefficient and attempt to remove the Alphas
from power.
4. Conflict between a Beta and a Gamma
Betas avoid uncertainty whenever possible and prefer a structure of
clear, unambiguous rules to define truth and duty in their relationships.
Gammas are individualistic and believe everyone should take care of themselves
and remain emotionally independent from groups, organization or society.
A possible conflict between Betas and Gammas might be the increased power
by Gammas who promote individual freedom where anybody can do whatever
they want and where nobody has a right to control their behavior.
5. Conflict between a Beta and a Delta
Betas avoid uncertainty whenever possible and prefer a structure of
clear, unambiguous rules to define truth and duty in their relationships.
Deltas are assertive, materialistic and success oriented, seeking rapid
progress and ultimate domination in their relationships with others. A
possible conflict between Betas and Deltas might be the increased power
by a small clique of Deltas who interpret the rules to their own advantage
or find ways around the rules to increase their own power in society.
6. Conflict between a Gamma and a Delta
Gammas are individualistic and believe everyone should take care of
themselves and remain emotionally independent from groups, organizations
or society. Deltas are assertive, materialistic and success oriented, seeking
rapid progress and ultimate domination in their relationships with others.
A possible conflict between Gammas and Deltas might be a power struggle
where the Deltas use teamwork in their organization to destroy individualistic
Gammas and take over power in society. |