Abstract

The rapid expansion of online education has transformed the educational landscape across the world particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital learning platforms. While online education has increased accessibility flexibility and opportunities for learners it has also exposed and intensified existing social inequalities. From a sociological perspective educational outcomes are significantly influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status access to technology digital literacy geographical location gender and cultural background. The digital divide continues to create disparities among students limiting the ability of disadvantaged groups to benefit equally from online learning opportunities. This study explores the sociology of online education by examining the relationship between digital learning and educational inequality. It investigates how structural and social factors shape students’ experiences in virtual learning environments and evaluates th