David Riesman was an American sociologist and author, best known for his influential book, The Lonely Crowd, published in 1950. In this work, he explored the shift in American society from a focus on inner-directed individuals to other-directed individuals, highlighting how social influences shape personal identity and behavior. Riesman’s ideas contributed significantly to the fields of sociology and cultural studies. He also served as a professor at Harvard University and University of Chicago, where he engaged in discussions about modernity, community, and the impact of consumer culture on social relationships.