It is this struggle to maximize benefits that leads to such movements of social change in both politics and social revolutions. Conflict theory exists in direct opposition to the tenets of functionalist theory, arguing that instead of a society where everyone plays are particular part, society instead exists as a pyramid structure, with a group of elites that dictate the rules to the masses. Thus, all major societal institutions, including laws and traditions, exist for the sole purpose of maintaining this structure. Thus, according to the conflict theory, colleges and universities exist in order to perpetuate this status quo. On the one hand, colleges ensure that the elite become educated and thus capable of carrying on their leadership roles. On the other hand, students at the college are indoctrinated...

It is often associated with the concept of the American Dream, which holds that anyone can become or achieve anything. When applied to the college level, this theory holds that college is a public way for an individual to advance through society's ladder, giving on the necessary tools to become what they want to become.
Bibliography

Coser, L. Masters of Sociological Thought: Ideas in Historical and Social Context. For Worth: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. 1977.

Harrington, a. Modern Social Theory: An Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990.