Ulrich Beck was a German sociologist best known for his work on the concept of risk society. He argued that modern societies are increasingly preoccupied with managing risks, such as environmental hazards and technological dangers, rather than focusing solely on traditional social issues. His influential book, "Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity," published in 1992, explores how these risks affect social structures and individual lives. Beck also contributed to discussions on globalization and individualization, emphasizing how these processes reshape social relationships and identities. He believed that in a globalized world, individuals must navigate complex risks and uncertainties, leading to new forms of social organization and personal responsibility.