David Riesman

David Riesman

Name	David Riesman
Birth name
Birth date	September 22, 1909
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Death date	May 10, 2002
Death place	Binghamton, New York, USA
Alma mater
Occupation	Sociologist, Educator
Years active
Organization
Known for	"The Lonely Crowd"
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

David Riesman (September 22, 1909 – May 10, 2002) was a prominent American sociologist, educator, and author, best known for his influential work, The Lonely Crowd. His research and writings have had a significant impact on the field of sociology, particularly in the study of American society and culture.

Early Life and Education

David Riesman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a family of Jewish descent. He attended Harvard University, where he studied biochemistry and graduated in 1931. He then pursued a law degree at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1934. During his time at Harvard, Riesman was influenced by the intellectual environment and developed an interest in social sciences.

Academic Career

After completing his education, Riesman worked as a law clerk for Justice Louis Brandeis of the United States Supreme Court. He later taught at the University of Buffalo Law School and the University of Chicago. It was at the University of Chicago that Riesman began to shift his focus from law to sociology.

In 1950, Riesman published The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character, co-authored with Nathan Glazer and Reuel Denney. The book became a bestseller and is considered a classic in sociological literature. It introduced the concepts of "inner-directed" and "other-directed" personalities, exploring how social character is shaped by cultural and economic changes.

Riesman joined the faculty of Harvard University in 1958, where he taught sociology until his retirement in 1980. He was known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to connect with students.

Major Works

• The Lonely Crowd (1950) - This seminal work examines the shift in American social character from "inner-directed" to "other-directed" individuals, reflecting changes in society and culture.
• Faces in the Crowd (1952) - A follow-up to The Lonely Crowd, this book further explores the themes of social character and conformity.
• Abundance for What? (1964) - In this collection of essays, Riesman discusses the implications of economic abundance on American society and individual fulfillment.

Influence and Legacy

David Riesman's work has had a lasting impact on the field of sociology and the study of American culture. His analysis of social character and conformity remains relevant in discussions of modern society. Riesman's ideas have influenced a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, political science, and cultural studies.

Personal Life

Riesman was married to Evelyn Thompson, and they had three children. He was known for his modesty and dedication to teaching and mentoring students.

Also see

• Sociology
• The Lonely Crowd
• Harvard University
• American culture
• Social character

References

• Glazer, Nathan, and Reuel Denney. The Lonely Crowd. Yale University Press, 1950.
• Riesman, David. Abundance for What?. Doubleday, 1964.