Social theory is multifaceted. It boasts ideals that illustrate society on a large scale and theories that analyze the small actions of individuals that make up their daily lives. These ranges of theoretical ideals prove useful when trying to unravel the complexities of society. Using theory as a framework or guide, many social ills can be examined from the different perspectives that social theory has to offer. This multidimensional approach can be used in the achievement gap debate. The achievement gap is a persistent problem facing society that has been a part of public education since its creation. Using conflict theory and symbolic interactionism, the achievement gap debate will be subject to macro- and micro-level interpretation. THE OUTCOME GAP AND CONFLICT THEORY According to George Ritzer (2008), conflict theorists see a social system based on conflict and coercion by those in power. . Ritzer's perception of conflict theory is congruent with the achievement gap debate. The data revealed an economic and academic disparity between two or more groups of people. A disparity that spoke to the power relations present in public education. Lewis Coser stated: “in every type of social structure there are opportunities for conflict, as individuals and subgroups are likely to make rival claims to scarce resources, prestige, or positions of power from time to time” (Kivisto 2011: 216-217) . In research conducted by William Glenn (2006), the success of segregation litigation was positively linked to the achievement gap. In these schools, parents and school leaders have attempted to reclaim the resources provided to some but not all students. Vivian Ikpa (2003) conducted a similar study on the effects of resegregation on... center of paper... her data may differ from those of impoverished ethnic minorities. Class similarities can create an understanding that is not easily decipherable by students of lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Amy Orr (2003:298) states that “restrictions can serve to disenfranchise an entire segment of the population, making it difficult for them to participate fully in areas such as politics and economics.” Conflict theory and symbolic interactionism provide a useful guide to understanding the complexities of the achievement gap. Simultaneous inspection at the macro and micro levels can provide interesting perceptions of the project in question. The debate is ongoing and research continues to uncover similarities found in the data. As the debate continues, it is important to remember that the achievement gap has been a problem that has persisted for decades and will not be solved overnight..