Abstract:

The conflict approach has been widely discussed in the iteratüre of the social sciences, particularly in sociology. There are many different names and approaches within the conflict approach. In this study, in particular, the East-West Conflict Theory, which Baykan Sezer has brought to the sociology iteratüre, influenced by Kemal Tahir’s thoughts, and Karl Marx’s conflict approach, are discussed. In the study, document analysis technique was used in relation to hermeneutic approach. Primary and secondary sources were examined in this context. The Sociology Annuals, which were started by Baykan Sezer and continue to be published today, were considered as the main source. Within the scope of the study, firstly, Karl Marx’s conflict approach was briefly summarized, and then the prominent themes in the Kemal Tahir-Baykan Sezer line were dealt with. These themes were discussed around the titles of the importance of the historical perspective, emphasis on originality, consideration of the interests of the Turkish people, and the position of Western thought and science. Then, the main breaking points in the history of the East-West conflict were summarized. In the study of the history of the East-West conflict, the studies in the The Sociology Annuals were particularly taken into consideration. As a result of the study, the conflict approach in the Kemal Tahir-Baykan Sezer line was compared with Marx’s approach. As a result of the comparison, it was found that there are both similarities and differences between these approaches. The existence of conflict is present in both approaches. In addition, both Karl Marx and Kemal Tahir and Baykan Sezer have made criticism of the hegemonic science. The differences that emerge in the Kemal Tahir-Baykan Sezer line are particularly visible in the point where the Turkish society and history (in general, also the East) do not match exactly with Western concepts and schemes.