Peter L. Berger

Date of Birth: March 17, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: June 27, 2017

Biography

Peter Ludwig Berger was an influential sociologist known for his work in the sociology of knowledge, the sociology of religion, and the study of modernization. Born in Vienna, Austria, Berger later moved to the United States, where he made significant contributions to sociological theory and research. He is perhaps best known for his seminal work, “The Social Construction of Reality,” co-authored with Thomas Luckmann, which introduced the concept of social constructionism. Throughout his career, Berger held various academic positions, including at Boston University, where he served as a professor and the Director of the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. His scholarly work has had a profound impact on the study of how societies construct and perceive reality and the role of religion in contemporary life.

5 Interesting Facts about Peter L. Berger

1. Peter L. Berger was originally born in Vienna, Austria, and fled to the United States to escape the turmoil in Europe during World War II.

2. He received his undergraduate degree from Wagner College in 1949 and his Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research in 1954.

3. Berger was a prolific author, writing more than a dozen books and numerous articles throughout his career.

4. He co-founded the Institute for the Study of Economic Culture at Boston University, which later became the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs.

5. Berger’s work “The Social Construction of Reality” is considered one of the most important sociological texts of the 20th century and introduced the concept of “social constructionism.”