Which stage of conflict is characterized by presence of factors indicating potential conflict, with no conflict yet developed?

• A. Latent
• B. Perceived
• C. Manifest
• D. Felt

Answer: (A)

In conflict theory, the earliest stage is latent conflict—the condition where warning signs or precipitating factors exist but no actual dispute has formed. Here, incompatible goals, resource scarcity, or communication gaps are present, yet there’s no disagreement or overt action yet. It’s the quiet prelude to conflict, where tensions may be suspected or looming (like budget pressures or shifting priorities) but nothing has been contested. Once people recognize there’s a problem, it becomes perceived conflict; when emotions and personal stakes rise, it becomes felt; and when it leads to visible actions, it becomes manifest. So the latent stage best fits the idea of factors indicating potential conflict with no conflict yet developed.