David Riesman: From Law to Social Criticism

Horowitz explores the intellectual trajectory of David Riesman, a prominent legal scholar who transitioned from doctrinal legal analysis to broader social and cultural criticism. The article examines Riesman's evolution from his early work on law and social change toward his influential sociological studies of American character and conformity. Horowitz traces how Riesman's legal training informed his later social criticism, particularly his analysis of bureaucracy, organizational behavior, and the 'other-directed' personality in modern society. The author analyzes Riesman's contributions to understanding the relationship between legal institutions and social structure, demonstrating how legal scholarship can illuminate broader patterns of American social organization. Horowitz contextualizes Riesman's work within mid-twentieth century interdisciplinary approaches to law and society, showing how his transition from law to social criticism reflected broader intellectual currents challenging traditional legal boundaries.

Keywords: David Riesman · social criticism · law and society · bureaucracy · American culture · legal scholarship