臺灣社會衝突知覺與生活適應：從個體狀態、次群體到世代變遷的綜合分析

Perception of Social Conflict and Life Adjustment in Taiwan: A Comprehensive Analysis from Individual States, Subgroups, to Generational Changes

近年來臺灣社會面臨許多不同的衝突議題，有些透過外顯的示威、遊行活動來展現，有些則隱而未顯地影響著人們。臺灣人民究竟知覺到了什麼樣的社會衝突，隨著時代的變遷，我們對於社會衝突的知覺是否隨之改變，甚或是不同次群體是否知覺到了不同的社會衝突面向？而社會衝突知覺強度是否與生活適應（life adaptation）間存在關聯性？這些即是本研究試圖探究的問題。本研究串聯中央研究院臺灣社會變遷調查資料庫之2009年（五期五次）與2019年（七期五次）兩期資料，觀察臺灣民眾對於貧富衝突、階級衝突、組織內衝突及階層衝突的知覺。結果發現隨著時代的變遷，臺灣民眾對於社會衝突的知覺強度日益提升，其中以組織內衝突知覺強度最高。本研究進一步觀察到個體狀態會影響對社會衝突的知覺，且次群體對於社會衝突知覺有調節作用，女性、年輕世代與高教育程度者所知覺到的社會衝突強度隨著時代改變而明顯提升。而社會衝突知覺強度與生活適應間存在負向關聯性，相關影響與討論亦在本文中說明之。

Taiwan is currently witnessing increased social conflicts, which manifest through overt actions, such as protests, and more subtle, underlying tensions. Understanding the types of social conflicts perceived by the public, the evolution of these perceptions over time, and the variations in perception across different subgroups is essential for grasping the broader implications of these conflicts. This study examines the relationship between the intensity of perceived social conflicts and life adjustment, thereby shedding light on how these perceptions influence societal well-being and individuals’quality of life. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for informing strategies to alleviate social tensions and enhance overall societal harmony. This study seeks to address several critical questions: What types of social conflicts are perceived by Taiwanese citizens? How do these perceptions change over time? Do different subgroups perceive different dimensions of social conflict? Moreover, is there a significant correlation between the intensity of perceived social conflicts and the quality of life adjustment among individuals?
To investigate these questions, this research utilizes data from the Taiwan Social Change Survey, focusing specifically on two survey periods, 2009 and 2019. This longitudinal approach allows for a comprehensive examination of changes across a decade. The data encompass perceptions related to four primary types of social conflicts: wealth disparity, class conflict, intra-organizational conflict, and hierarchical conflict. By analyzing these data points, this study aims to understand both the current state of social conflict perceptions and how these perceptions have evolved.
The findings reveal that Taiwanese citizens’perceptions of social conflict have intensified over the past decade, with intra-organizational conflicts being perceived as the most intense. This trend suggests increasing awareness or sensitivity towards conflicts within organizational structures, potentially driven by growing power dynamics and management practices issues. Perceptions of wealth disparity and class conflict have also risen, reflecting broader concerns about economic inequality and social stratification. The study identifies specific demographic factors influencing these perceptions: women, younger individuals, and those with higher levels of education tend to perceive social conflicts more acutely. These groups may be more attuned to inequalities or more vocal about societal issues, leading to their heightened awareness of social conflicts.
The study also examines generational differences in the relationship between overall social conflict perception and life adjustment. Using Hayes’Process 4.2 model 7, the analysis found that the indirect effect of age on life adjustment through social conflict perception varies by year. In 2009, younger generations perceived more social conflict than older generations, and this trend intensified by 2019. The increasing generational gap suggests that younger individuals are becoming increasingly aware of social conflicts, which significantly impacts their life adjustment.
Furthermore, the study identifies a negative correlation between the intensity of perceived social conflict and life adjustment. Individuals who perceive higher levels of social conflict tend to report poorer life adjustment, suggesting that the stress and dissatisfaction associated with perceived social inequities can detrimentally affect overall well-being. This finding holds across various types of conflicts, indicating that irrespective of the conflict’s nature, a high perceived intensity correlates with lower life satisfaction and poorer mental health outcomes.
The study also explores generational differences in conflict perception. Younger generations exhibit a more significant increase in the perception of social conflicts compared to older generations. This trend may be attributed to the younger population’s direct exposure to rapid social changes, economic challenges, and the proliferation of information through digital media, heightening their awareness of societal issues. Conversely, the older generation, having experienced different social and economic conditions, may perceive these conflicts less intensely or interpret them differently.
The findings underscore the importance of proactively addressing social conflicts to enhance societal well-being. Policymakers and social planners should consider these perceptions when designing interventions aimed at reducing social tensions and improving life quality. By understanding the nuances of how different groups perceive social conflicts, targeted strategies can be developed to address the specific needs and concerns of these groups, potentially leading to more effective conflict resolution and social harmony.
Despite these insights, the study has certain limitations. The reliance on self-reported data from survey responses may introduce biases, such as social desirability bias, that could affect the accuracy of the findings. Additionally, the study focuses on specific types of social conflicts and demographic factors, potentially overlooking other relevant variables. Future research could expand the scope by incorporating more diverse conflict types, including environmental and cultural conflicts, and examining additional demographic variables such as occupation or urban versus rural residency. Longitudinal studies with more frequent data collection points would also provide a deeper understanding of how perceptions of social conflict evolve and their long-term impacts on life adjustment.
In conclusion, this study highlights the complex nature of social conflict perception in Taiwan and its significant implications for life adjustment. As perceptions of social conflict continue to rise, there is a growing need to focus on social policies that address inequality, promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of community. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of these perceptions can lead to improved life outcomes for all members of society, creating a more equitable and harmonious social environment.