Auguste Comte is widely regarded as the father of sociology. He coined the term 'sociology' and developed the concept of social statics and social dynamics, laying the foundation for the discipline.

Conflict Theory, most notably associated with Karl Marx, views society as a system of conflicting interests and power struggles between different social classes.

Emile Durkheim emphasized the importance of studying social phenomena objectively and introduced the concept of 'social facts' - social patterns and norms that exist independently of individuals.

Symbolic Interactionism, associated with George Herbert Mead, emphasizes the role of symbols and interactions in shaping individual and social behavior.

Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concept of 'habitus' to explain how social structures shape individual dispositions and practices.

Postmodernism, associated with thinkers like Jean-François Lyotard and Michel Foucault, critiques traditional notions of truth and reality, emphasizing the role of power and discourse in shaping social life.

Charles Horton Cooley introduced the concept of 'the looking-glass self,' highlighting the influence of others' perceptions on an individual's self-concept.

Structural Functionalism, associated with Talcott Parsons, views society as a system of interconnected institutions that work together to maintain equilibrium and stability.

Erving Goffman introduced the concept of 'dramaturgy,' comparing social interactions to theatrical performances, highlighting the roles individuals play in social situations.

Feminist Theory critiques traditional sociological theories for ignoring gender and power dynamics, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of women and other marginalized groups.

Jurgen Habermas developed the theory of 'communicative action,' emphasizing the importance of language and communication in reaching consensus and understanding in social interactions.

Postmodernism emphasizes the role of reflexivity and the individual's ability to shape their own social reality, challenging traditional notions of objective truth and reality.

Pierre Bourdieu developed the concept of 'social closure,' analyzing how social groups maintain boundaries and exclude outsiders through various mechanisms.

Cultural Sociology emphasizes the role of culture and symbols in shaping social life and meaning, analyzing how cultural practices and beliefs influence social interactions and institutions.

Anthony Giddens developed the theory of 'structuration,' emphasizing the interplay between structure and agency, arguing that social structures are both shaped by and shape human action.