Herbert J. Gans

Herbert J. Gans (1927–present) has published pioneering sociological studies and mentored generations of students via both his teaching and publications. In his work, Professor Gans expresses deep concern over social problems and how social science might be used to further illuminate them. His Urban Villagers, published 40 years ago, still stands as a classic statement against urban renewal and the effects it can have on the community ties and patterns, which Professor Gans researched in an eventually demolished Boston Italian neighborhood. His book on Levittown and his study of popular culture were rebuttals against common middle-class leftist intellectuals' depictions of these topics.