ABSTRACT
Every society possesses an array of options for dealing with conflict, only some of which entail aggression. Disputants may simply avoid each other, discuss a problem, negotiate a solution, or call formally or informally for the assistance of mediators or judges. Conflict, here defined as “a perceived divergence of interest” (Rubin, Pruitt, & Kim, 1994: 5), is a more encompassing concept than aggression, which can be considered as “the infliction of harm, pain, or injury on other individuals” (Fry, 2006: 11). Aggression can be verbal, physical, or both. Whereas conflict is an inevitable aspect of social life, expressing conflict through aggression is not and reflects a great deal of variation across the cross-cultural spectrum. This chapter will consider some of the effects that cultural factors have on the expression of interpersonal and intergroup aggression.
