Higher Educational Institution as a Social System

Abstract

The present article is an overview summarizing sociological investigations of the Higher Educational Institutions as real subjects of the social life, having complex structure, special interests and values, own orientations with respect to social environment. The author suggests original «multi-model» approach to the consideration of the social organization of the Higher Educational Institutions. Methodological base is suggested for further investigations of the higher school as a social system, and its elements - formal and informal organizations, departments, and groups, and other structures and social communities acting inside the higher school.