Louis Wirth was an influential American sociologist born in 1897 and known for his work in urban sociology. He is best recognized for his essay "Urbanism as a Way of Life," where he explored how city living affects social relationships and individual behavior. Wirth emphasized the importance of social interactions in urban settings and how they differ from rural environments. Wirth was a member of the Chicago School of Sociology, which focused on the study of social structures and their impact on human behavior. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of urbanization and its effects on community dynamics. Wirth's ideas continue to influence sociological studies today.