Gary Becker was an influential American economist known for applying economic analysis to a wide range of social issues. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1992 for his work on human capital, which examines how education and skills contribute to economic productivity. Becker's research extended beyond traditional economics, exploring topics such as crime, family dynamics, and discrimination. Becker's innovative approach helped to shape modern economic thought by demonstrating that economic principles could be used to understand human behavior in various contexts. His ideas have had a lasting impact on fields like sociology and public policy, influencing how policymakers address social challenges.