POL2602 ASSIGNMENT 1 – SEMESTER 1 2026
POLITICAL SCIENCE / CONFLICT STUDIES
COMPLETE MODEL ANSWERS – DISTINCTION GUARANTEED
STUDENT DETAILS
Detail Information
Module Code POL2602
,Detail Information
Assignment 01
Semester 1 2026
Unique Number [Check Tutorial Letter 101]
Due Date [Check Tutorial Letter 101]
ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1 [20 marks]
Identify and discuss the four levels of conflict with reference to examples of
your own. Your discussion must include original examples (not those from
the study guide or textbook).
QUESTION 2 [20 marks]
Define direct violence and discuss its characteristics. In your response,
distinguish between physical and psychological direct violence.
QUESTION 3 [10 marks]
Explain the relationship between structural violence and social injustice.
Provide examples to illustrate your answer.
COMPREHENSIVE ANSWERS
, QUESTION 1: Four Levels of Conflict [20 marks]
Identify and discuss the four levels of conflict with reference to
examples of your own. Your discussion must include original
examples (not those from the study guide or textbook).
Introduction
Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction that manifests at various
levels, from internal struggles within an individual to tensions between large
social groups. Understanding these different levels is essential for effective
conflict resolution and management. This discussion identifies and
analyses the four levels of conflict, providing original examples for each .
Level 1: Intrapersonal Conflict
Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual. It arises from internal
struggles involving thoughts, emotions, values, and personal dilemmas.
This level of conflict is often invisible to others but can significantly impact
decision-making and well-being.
Characteristics of intrapersonal conflict:
Internal dispute involving only one person
Arises from competing thoughts, emotions, ideas, values, or
predispositions
May manifest as indecision, anxiety, or internal tension
Can affect mental health and decision-making capacity
Original Example:
*Thabo, a 35-year-old project manager at a Johannesburg-based IT
company, has been offered a promotion that would require relocating to
Cape Town. The position comes with a significant salary increase and
career advancement opportunities. However, Thabo's elderly mother, who
lives with him, requires regular medical attention and has established
relationships with local doctors. His children are settled in their schools,
and his wife has a thriving career in Johannesburg. Thabo finds himself
torn between advancing his career and maintaining family stability. He
experiences sleepless nights, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating as he
POLITICAL SCIENCE / CONFLICT STUDIES
COMPLETE MODEL ANSWERS – DISTINCTION GUARANTEED
STUDENT DETAILS
Detail Information
Module Code POL2602
,Detail Information
Assignment 01
Semester 1 2026
Unique Number [Check Tutorial Letter 101]
Due Date [Check Tutorial Letter 101]
ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1 [20 marks]
Identify and discuss the four levels of conflict with reference to examples of
your own. Your discussion must include original examples (not those from
the study guide or textbook).
QUESTION 2 [20 marks]
Define direct violence and discuss its characteristics. In your response,
distinguish between physical and psychological direct violence.
QUESTION 3 [10 marks]
Explain the relationship between structural violence and social injustice.
Provide examples to illustrate your answer.
COMPREHENSIVE ANSWERS
, QUESTION 1: Four Levels of Conflict [20 marks]
Identify and discuss the four levels of conflict with reference to
examples of your own. Your discussion must include original
examples (not those from the study guide or textbook).
Introduction
Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction that manifests at various
levels, from internal struggles within an individual to tensions between large
social groups. Understanding these different levels is essential for effective
conflict resolution and management. This discussion identifies and
analyses the four levels of conflict, providing original examples for each .
Level 1: Intrapersonal Conflict
Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual. It arises from internal
struggles involving thoughts, emotions, values, and personal dilemmas.
This level of conflict is often invisible to others but can significantly impact
decision-making and well-being.
Characteristics of intrapersonal conflict:
Internal dispute involving only one person
Arises from competing thoughts, emotions, ideas, values, or
predispositions
May manifest as indecision, anxiety, or internal tension
Can affect mental health and decision-making capacity
Original Example:
*Thabo, a 35-year-old project manager at a Johannesburg-based IT
company, has been offered a promotion that would require relocating to
Cape Town. The position comes with a significant salary increase and
career advancement opportunities. However, Thabo's elderly mother, who
lives with him, requires regular medical attention and has established
relationships with local doctors. His children are settled in their schools,
and his wife has a thriving career in Johannesburg. Thabo finds himself
torn between advancing his career and maintaining family stability. He
experiences sleepless nights, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating as he
