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A methodology
developed to accompany conflict theory (thus, establishing a complete conflict
paradigm in sociology) in its opposition to functional
theory and "consensus methodologies" (the methodologies
used in government- and private enterprise-funded social research that collects the
detailed and accurate information needed by the power centers in society to maintain and
sustain control over the powerless). Conflict methodology is used in gathering information
and data that is or is to be used for the whole of society, all of its members. Thus,
given the power realities and structures of American society, conflict methodology
provides information to consumers, workers, minority groups, etc., so they may more
effectively choose not only their own political positions and future life-styles but also
the most just direction for construction of society. Timothy Lehmann and T. R. Young say,
"Under conflict conditions of social organization, we argue that conflict methodology
is necessary to constrain the corporate-dominated society. Conflict methodology comprises
those strategies and techniques by which information is obtained from and introduced into
systems under conditions of hostile contrast." Conflict methodology, then, is
necessarily critical of the "large-scale organization" control of both the
Eastern and Western worlds. Lehmann and Young point especially to "technological
accidents," "technostructure scandals," and "community
organizing" as fertile ground for the use of conflict methodology.
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