The functionalist perspective emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability. It views society as a vast network of interconnected parts. The individual is seen as one of these parts, fulfilling one of several types of functions. The manifest functions (open, stated, and conscious functions) intended & recognized – contribute to social order by keeping the parts connected. Latent functions are the “side-effects” or unintended functions that may reflect hidden purposes of an institution. Colleges – hold down unemployment, to find romantic partners, to form trade unions. A dysfunction occurs when an element disrupts the social system. For example, if degrees are too easily obtained from colleges, the job market can become oversaturated with graduates. A college degree in this case would lose its value. Social order is viewed as predictable, because each part of society maintains it as a whole. A change in the system is seen as being dysfunctional, or detrimental to society. The functionalist perspective focuses on explaining the functions of society as it currently exists as a balance, rather than accounting for social change.
Conflict perspective analyzes power and inequality on a macrosociological scale. In this perspective, society is viewed as the stage in which conflicts of life are carried out by individuals and separate units. Conflict leads to constant social change and shifts in the balance of power. Social order is created through the control and subjugation of one group by another. The conflict perspective can be applied to colleges in the competition of individual students (proletariat) over available and limited achievement, controlled by the college professors and management (bourgeoisie). Symbolic interactionism is a microsociological theory, viewing society as an influence of social interaction. It states that society interacts by means of symbols that represent either physical, social, or abstract concepts. Through social interaction, the meaning of symbols changes, and this changes society in return. In colleges, there are many symbols present. One of the most important ones is a degree, which symbolizes the achievement of a student. The meaning of a degree can change over time. Over time, the meaning of having a bachelor’s degree (symbol) in many fields has changed from a prestigious achievement to a bare minimum to starting a career.