Emile Durkheim is widely regarded as the father of educational sociology due to his seminal work, "Education and Sociology," which explored the relationship between education and society.

Conflict Theory, particularly as proposed by Karl Marx and other sociologists, argues that social class divisions and power dynamics influence access to education and determine educational outcomes.

Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concept of "cultural capital" to explain how social class influences educational attainment and success.

Conflict Theory argues that education serves to maintain the existing social order and perpetuate social inequality by favoring the dominant classes.

Philip W. Jackson coined the term "hidden curriculum" to describe the unofficial and often unintended lessons that students learn in schools, such as values, beliefs, and social norms.

The New Left Education movement sought to transform education by promoting student empowerment, critical thinking, and a focus on social justice issues.

Basil Bernstein's research on the sociology of the curriculum and the hidden curriculum explored how social class and cultural factors shape educational content and practices.

Symbolic Interactionism focuses on how individuals interact with each other and construct shared meanings in educational contexts.

Louis Althusser's theory of "reproduction" posits that education is a key mechanism through which the ruling class maintains its power and dominance.

Rational Choice Theory assumes that individuals make educational choices based on their own self-interest and perceived benefits.

Theotonio dos Santos' work on the sociology of education in developing countries and his concept of "dependency theory" explored the impact of global economic and political structures on educational systems.

Cultural Reproduction Theory focuses on how cultural factors and local contexts influence educational practices and outcomes, particularly in relation to social inequality.

Burton Clark's research on the sociology of higher education and the concept of the "academic profession" explored the social organization and dynamics of universities and colleges.

Social Capital Theory posits that social networks and relationships can provide individuals with resources and advantages that facilitate educational success.

Pierre Bourdieu's work on the sociology of education and the concept of "habitus" explored the relationship between social class, culture, and educational outcomes.