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The Concentric Circle Theory was developed by Ernest Burgess in the early 20th century as part of his work on urban sociology. This theory describes urban social structures and how cities expand over time, proposing that urban areas grow outward from a central point in a series of concentric circles or zones.

Burgess identified five distinct zones that illustrate the distribution and organization of various social groups and economic activities within a city. At the center, the zone of transition typically represents deteriorating housing and industry, surrounded by zones of working-class homes, middle-class residences, and eventually suburban areas. This model has been essential in understanding urban development and planning, as it provides insight into socio-economic interactions and spatial organization within urban areas.

While other figures listed contributed significantly to sociology and urban studies, their works focus on different aspects of social analysis or urban theory rather than the specific development of the Concentric Circle Theory.