Abstract
Ethnic and group conflicts have a long-standing history in Afghanistan, with many of the ongoing crises being linked to this issue. Ethnic conflicts in societies like Afghanistan stem from various causes, among which social health plays a critical role. Social health, as a multidimensional concept, encompasses social acceptance, participation, cohesion, actualization, and solidarity. Accordingly, the present study aims to examine the role of different dimensions of social health in the tendency toward ethnic-group conflicts among men aged 18 to 45 in Kabul. This research employs a quantitative and survey-based method, with a multistage cluster sampling technique used to select a statistical sample of 384 respondents based on Morgan’s table. Data collection tools included the standardized Keyes Social Health Questionnaire and a researcher-designed questionnaire, both of which were validated for reliability and content validity using Cronbach’s alpha and expert reviews. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing statistical tests such as t-tests, F-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The findings indicate that all five dimensions of social health have a significant and inverse relationship with respondents’ tendency toward ethnic-group conflicts. Additionally, social health and respondents’ age explain approximately 24% of the variance in the tendency toward such conflicts. The results highlight the importance of enhancing social health, reducing inequalities, and promoting shared values. It is recommended that policymakers focus on creating platforms for increased social participation, bridging social divides, and improving cohesion among different groups.
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