Introduction
Social psychology is the study of how human beings respond and interact with each other under different circumstances. Several theories have been used under psychology to explain the different forms of behavior individuals display (Gross et al., 2016). Studying social psychology helps understand human behavior in various disciplines and fields like business, education, military, health care, and the government. The author studied individuals involved in different disciplines and measured the conflict generated through homosexuality and heterosexuality. The result was that the interaction between the two groups results in conflict. The interaction between homosexuality and heterosexuality differences creates various responses in society, including the conflict aspect.
Research done in the education discipline shows that the LGBTQ community is faced with hostile responses due to their practices. Schools and campuses do not provide a comfortable environment for the LGBTQ community (Garvey et al., 2015). The study calls for attention and seeks to address counter inequality in schools and varying institutions. The study was done on a population of campus students. Elements of harassment and discrimination were measured and observed during the study. The researcher found out that straight students are sources of discrimination and harassment. The study relates to the proposal because the interaction between the groups needs to be modified to minimize conflict through cultural education channels.
Several groups based on sexual orientation face the aspect of acceptance as a form of conflict. The LGBTQ culture is considered illegitimate; therefore, the emergence of different community classes has been experienced in recent generations. The primary form of conflict that may trigger discrimination and other forms of injustice in the LGBTQ community is monosexism (Robert et al., 2015). Monosexism is a belief that an individual can only be attracted to a single-gender. The study was conducted on individuals from the LGBTQ community. Elements that trigger monosexism were measured and found out that bisexual triggers monosexism. The study relates to the proposal on how acceptance can minimize conflict channeled by interactions.
Social interactions among individuals create chances for social identity; therefore, people identify the differences between the LGBTQ community and those that are straight (Cheek, 2016). As a social minority group, LGBTQ is entitled to total equal rights, which are possible through awareness creation on responses and interactions. Therefore, homophobia needs to be eradicated in various societies to enhance coexistence and prevent conflict among groups divided based on sexual orientation. A study was done on campus students and measured the influence of homophobia on conflict.
Homophobia triggers conflict, and the study relates to the proposal by identifying ways of normalizing the LGBTQ culture to fit in society through interactions.
Studying LGBT is sensitive because it may seem like an intrusion of privacy and boundaries and also triggers social desirability (Martos et al., 2017). The individual providing information is more concerned about the issue of “how will people see me as.” Participants find it uncomfortable, therefore creating much sensitivity. A study was done on campus students to measure the level of sensitivity in being a member of the LGBTQ community. Results showed that 35% of the population fear rejection because of being a member of the LGBTQ community. The study relates to the proposal by providing ideas on enhancing interaction without cases of discrimination or rejection.
There is a need to conduct further research on interactions and responses based on the issue to address equality among society members. The conflict between the straight community and the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community is a dividing agenda that demands resolution to enhance coexistence. Awareness through education based on equality for all groups regardless of sexual and gender orientation need to be supported to create room for all groups in day-to-day activities.
#Problem and hypothesis
The conflict between straight individuals and the LGBTQ community is a significant problem that continues to spike due to differences in sexual orientation. Monosexism is a source of conflict among the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer community (LGBTQ), which is a significant challenge that demands addressing and responses.
Hypothesis: If members of different groups interact socially and respond, the number of conflict cases will be minimized.
Methods
# Participants
The participants involved in the research should be of age bracket between 19- 28 years old. The level of education should be at the university level. Sexes to be involved in the study should include both male and female. For recruitment purposes into the study, random sampling is preferred to prevent biasness in the population involved.
# Research design: A case study
A case study is often used to narrow down a broad field into one or a few easily researchable examples. The research design helps an individual understand complex issues through detailed specific content.
Dependent variable: conflict
Independent variables: interactions and responses
A potential threat to the design is that the information collected from a small group cannot explain the whole region and population since information gathered may be based on assumptions.
# Materials
Journals and articles, newspapers, magazines, books.
#Procedure
Data is collected from varying groups with differences in occupational activities and educational level. Data collection methods include observation, questionnaires, and interviews.
Results
The level of conflict in a population depends on the rate of interaction and response. Toxic interaction may include harassment, discrimination which triggers a response by an individual.
Conflict level
Rate of interaction and response (%)
High
75%
Medium
45%
Low
10%
The table above is a tabular representation of the level of conflict with variation in interaction rate. At 75%, the level of conflict is high, and at 10%, the conflict level is low. The table above shows the differences in a conflict, which is dependent on how much the population interacts and at what rate. On a graphical representation of conflict against interaction and responses, the curve will rise, considering the rat of interaction and responses are kept constant. If there is a change in the rate of interaction and response, the curve will bend.
Discussion
In the above tabular representation, the conflict level is highest at 75% and the lowest at 10%. Considering that interaction and response variables are kept constant, the level of conflict will keep escalating to the maximum level. The conflict between the LGBTQ community and the straight population will move to the highest level of conflict about the tabular representation of data if the interaction rate remains constant. Interaction between the two groups is based on unequal workplace opportunities, harassment, and discrimination, among other forms of injustice.
If positive interaction is enhanced and the interaction rate remains constant, the level of conflict will shift the curve. If the rate of interaction and response is altered, the curve will bend depending on the alteration level. Interaction and response, therefore, helps in minimization conflict if channeled in a positive direction. Awareness creation through education and campaigns on equality among different groups can help minimize conflict cases. However, education plays an essential role since it creates an in-depth understanding of the importance of coexistence despite circumstances.
The introduction of better strategies to enhance positive interactions should consistently be enhanced in various institutions such as schools, campuses, and workplaces to help reduce conflict cases. However, the division of groups based on sexual orientation should not be the source of conflict since such choices generate from preferences and choices that individuals make.
Limitations to the study
The interaction may not be the only cause of conflict among groups divided by sexual orientation. There might exist other aspects that trigger conflict and may be influenced based on generations and cultures. A shit or change in cultures passed on to the future generations might also limit the study. Education may also play a part in creating conflict among the different sexual groups. Knowledge, however, drives individuals to preferences and decisions; hence might be a factor limiting the study.