Neil Smelser

Neil Smelser (1930–2017) was a prominent American sociologist who spent much of his academic career at the University of California, Berkeley. He was a leading figure in 20th-century sociology, known for his work in collective behavior and economic sociology.

Smelser developed "value-added theory" to explain how collective behaviors like panics, crazes, and riots occur. His model outlined six specific determinants—such as structural strain and generalized beliefs—that must align sequentially for collective action to take place.

Yes, Smelser co-authored the influential 1956 book "Economy and Society" with the legendary sociologist Talcott Parsons. This collaboration helped bridge the gap between sociology and economics within structural-functionalist theory.

Smelser served as the director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences in Stanford, California. He also held the prestigious position of president of the American Sociological Association.