Ulrich Beck

Ulrich Beck, (1944-2015) was born in Stolp in Eastern Pommerania. He studied Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology and Political Science in Munich, where he obtained his Ph.D in 1972. Seven years later he was promoted to Professor in Sociology. His main scientific interest lied in the fundamental change of modern societies, in particular under the influence of globalisation. He was writing on theoretical, empirical and methodological questions arising from this, as well as the consequences and risks, which this change entails for economics, politics, culture and the mass media. Between 1980 and 2015, Beck was the editor of the journal Soziale Welt [Social World]. He has been awarded several honorary doctorates by European universities as well as numerous prizes.