Epilogue: Theoretical Perspectives on Change

Abstract

This final chapter provides multiple theoretical perspectives to help guide scholars, researcher, policy analysts, and students in their quest to better understand the current challenges facing American public higher education and to frame needed proposals for change and reform. Classical sociological theories, political theories, conflict theory as well as evolutionary theory, economic theory, technological theory, and others are presented to place this important work within a utilitarian theoretical perspective. Much of the current literature on higher education is descriptive, lacking a theoretical framework or perspective. Framing future study and research within a theoretical perspective will strengthen our understanding of the many dynamic and interactive aspects of higher education.