Gary Becker (Sociologist)

Gary Becker was an American sociologist and economist known for applying economic theory to various social issues, including family dynamics, discrimination, and crime. He argued that human behavior can be understood through the lens of economic decision-making, suggesting individuals weigh costs and benefits in their everyday choices. Becker's work emphasized the importance of human capital, the value of education, and the impact of social policies on behavior. His groundbreaking ideas helped bridge the gap between economics and sociology, earning him a Nobel Prize in Economics in 1992 and shaping how researchers view social problems.