The nature of the institution, the process of learning, the topics taught in the curriculum are all both the cause and the effect of broader social issues. The information taught in educational institutions is an asset, that is, individuals acquire newly learned knowledge. These assets are allocated to students not only as individuals, but also as members of groups. However, in society, assets are dispensed unevenly, and more is distributed to one group and less to another group. As such, individuals and groups strive to maintain and advance their positions relative to others. As a consequence of competing for scarce resources and rewards of prestige and wealth, hierarchical distinctions emerge among individuals in society. The segmentation of individuals in society does not promote the operation of society as a whole, but rather benefits some while depriving others. This reinforces the capitalist system of the dominant and the oppressed, which creates social inequality. .
Education maximizes individuals' chances of academic success, by preparing them to either engage in further academic education or to participate in the occupational structure. Therefore, the performance of male students in comparison to female students, has a strong relationship to their social and economic attainments when they leave the social institution of education. However, the educational system has largely failed to promote an egalitarian society, for the outcomes of education are not the same for all individuals and for all groups. According to Conflict Theory, capitalist societies reproduce themselves through the transmission and the perpetuation of a dominant culture. As such, education is but another institution within the superstructure of a capitalist society, which is controlled by the elite. Organized to serve capitalist priorities of profit and labour market discipline, the educational system falls short of its potential of imparting equality rather than divisions in society.
