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Conflict theories can best be defined as, “theories that focus attention on struggles between individuals and/or groups in terms of power differentials.”(Lily, Cullen, & Ball 126). In addition, conflict theories tend to fall into three identifiable categories. Those that search for the sources of the conflicts, those that attempt to establish theoretical foundations for alleviating the conflict, and those that try to both identify the source of and eliminate conflict. (126) In the book, Everything in Its Path, Kia Erickson, a sociologist, alludes that the disaster that occurred in Buffalo Creek, Virginia on February 26, 1972 is an excellent example of Conflict theories as a whole. The events of February 26, 1972, the ensuing litigation and its resolution tend to support Erickson’s assertions. The parties involved in this particular conflict were citizens of Buffalo Creek, the coal mining industry, and governmental bureaucracy. In response to citizens’ concerns about slag, a pollution by product of mining, contaminating creeks, rivers, and streams the government of West Virginia required the mining companies to construct retaining ponds. The mining companies constructed and ponds and used earthen dams mixed with slag to prevent seepage. This gesture on the part of the mining companies satisfied governmental bureaucrats.
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