Peter L. Berger (1929–2017) was among the most prominent sociologists of the past half-century. He co-authored with Thomas Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality, considered to be a modern classic of social science. His work on social theory, the sociology of religion, third-world development, and the role of capitalism in modern life define his enduring importance as a leading figure in social science. Berger established an international reputation for his various studies of economic development in different parts of the world, including Central America and South Africa.

Jonathan B. Imber is Jean Glasscock Professor of Sociology at Wellesley College. He was Editor-in-Chief of Society from 1998 to 2020. He is author of Abortion and the Private Practice of Medicine and Trusting Doctors: The Decline of Moral Authority in American Medicine. He edited the Anthem Companion to Philip Rieff.

Anthem Companions to Sociology

Introduction; Chapter 1. Plurality, Choice, and the Dynamics of Doubt, Jerry Z. Muller; Chapter 2. Peter L. Berger and the Challenge of Modern Pluralism, Robert W. Hefner; Chapter 3. Making Peace with Pluralism in America, Dennis R. Hoover; Chapter 4. Religion and Secularity in a Desecularizing Russia, Christopher Marsh; Chapter 5. The Moral Limits of Religious Pluralism, Wolfram Weisse; Chapter 6. Peter L. Berger and Arnold Gehlen: Secularization, Institutions and Social Order, Bryan S. Turner; Chapter 7. Peter L. Berger’s Three Religions, Titus Hjelm; Chapter 8. Objectivation: The Material Heritage of Peter L. Berger, Michaela Pfadenhauer; Chapter 9. Peter L. Berger’s The Social Construction of Reality, Jochen Dreher; Chapter 10. The Untaken Road to Phenomenological Sociology, Patrik Aspers; Chapter 11. Cheering for Capitalism, Peter T. Leeson and Claudia R. Williamson; Chapter 12. Peter L. Berger and Economic Sociology , Peter J. Boettke; Chapter 13. Peter L. Berger Changed the Direction of My Work … and My Life, Charles L. Glenn; Chapter 14. Peter L. Berger on Religion as Choice Rather than Fate, Samuel Heilman; List of Contributors; Index