American historian and social critic who was a history professor at the University of Rochester. He wrote about what the ways in which large institutions were eroding the competence and independence of families and communities. He strove to create a historically-informed social criticism focused on consumerism, proletarianization, and what he famously labeled "the culture of narcissism".

American historian and social critic who was a history professor at the University of Rochester. He wrote about what the ways in which large institutions were eroding the competence and independence of families and communities. He strove to create a historically-informed social criticism focused on consumerism, proletarianization, and what he famously labeled "the culture of narcissism".