Are Conflict-Free Relationships Really Conflict-Free?
Just because a group appears to accept their subordinate status doesn’t mean they like subordinate status. Just because a relationship appears conflict-free doesn’t mean that there is no conflict. • Any analysis of intergroup relations can be misleading if the research covers only a narrow period of time. • Even the most antagonistic relationships, whether in marriage, international relations, or interracial contacts, will have periods of relative tranquillity. Therefore, the assumption that the Tungus and Cossacks are “conflict-free” may be erroneous. • Some forms of conflict are difficult to assess because they are not obvious. Groups may internalize conflict and give only intangible evidence of animosities (Kitano, 1985:68).
