Specifically, conflict theory emphasizes how power disparities play a vital role in the school system through:
Tracking and streaming: Tracking students into different academic levels or vocational paths can limit their opportunities and reinforce social inequalities.
Hidden curriculum: Schools transmit underlying norms, values, and ideologies which may favor the dominant social class and may disadvantage marginalized groups.
Cultural capital: Students from families with higher cultural capital and social networks may get better access to better educational resources due to their families' social and economic positions advantage
Credentialism: The value placed on educational credentials, such as diplomas and degrees can advantage those from priviledged backgrounds who more resources for access top tier eduational resources.
As an alternative, conflict theories support transformative pedagogies - methods and practices for critical consciousness by raising awareness about oppression and empowering individuals toward social emancipation
Conflict thoery offers critical lens to scrutinize power dynamic and inequalities to facilitate a more equatable educational system