Describe TWO possible conflicts that may arise among school-going youth due to differences in financial values

On this page, we help students to answer the following question: “Describe TWO possible conflicts that may arise among school-going youth due to differences in financial values.” This is for Life Orientation Grade 12 Term 1 Source-Based Task 2026.

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Quick Answer

Conflicts Over Financial Values:

• Lifestyle Clashes: Arguments between friends when one values expensive trends while the other values saving or has limited budget.
• Power Imbalances: Borrowing or lending money can lead to resentment andinterpersonal conflictif the debt isn’t repaid as expected.
• Social Exclusion: Pressure to spend money on outings can make those with different values feel isolated.

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Full Answer: Conflicts Arising from Differing Financial Values

Financial values are the beliefs and principles that guide how an individual chooses to spend, save, or share money. When school-going youth have different priorities regarding money, it often leads to interpersonal conflict that can damage friendships and increase signs and symptoms of stress.+2

1. Disagreements Over Social Spending and Lifestyle Choices

One of the most common conflicts occurs when friends have different ideas about what constitutes “necessary” spending.

• A learner who values saving for post-school destinations may clash with a friend who feels pressured by peer expectations to spend on expensive clothing or outings.+1
• This difference in financial values can lead to interpersonal conflicts where one person feels judged for being “cheap” while the other feels pressured to be financially irresponsible.
• Such tension can result in detrimental relationships where the learner feels excluded from social circles because they cannot afford or choose not to follow group spending habits .

2. Tension Caused by Lending and Borrowing Money

Financial values also dictate how people handle debt and financial responsibility.

• Conflict often arises when one learner lends money to another, expecting a quick repayment based on their value of financial integrity, while the borrower may not see it as a priority.
• This creates a negative power relation where the lender feels taken advantage of, leading to anger and a breakdown in effective communication.
• The resulting stress can interfere with a learner’s ability to stay focused when writing exams, as they are preoccupied with the unresolved interpersonal conflict .

Reference for Students:

• Subject: Life Orientation Grade 12
• Textbook: Focus Life Orientation Grade 12
• Chapter: Chapter 1: Development of the Self in Society
• Topic: Youth stress and differences in financial values