# Paul Lazarsfeld

> Austrian-American sociologist

**Wikidata**: [Q94037](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q94037)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Lazarsfeld)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-lazarsfeld

## Summary
Paul Lazarsfeld was an Austrian-American sociologist, psychologist, mathematician, physicist, educator, and professor. He held citizenship in the United States, Austria, and Austria-Hungary and was affiliated with institutions such as the University of Vienna, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Vienna and Paris Descartes University.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 13, 1901
- **Nationality:** Austrian, American, Austria-Hungarian
- **Education:** University of Vienna; Akademisches Gymnasium
- **Known for:** Multidisciplinary work in sociology, psychology, mathematics, and physics
- **Employer(s):** University of Vienna; University of Pittsburgh; Federal Emergency Relief Administration
- **Field(s):** Sociology; Psychology; Mathematics; Physics; Education

## Contributions
Paul Lazarsfeld's contributions are characterized by his extensive academic and professional work across multiple disciplines. He served as a professor and educator, contributing to the fields of sociology, psychology, mathematics, and physics. His academic career included positions at the University of Vienna, a public research university founded in 1365, and the University of Pittsburgh, a state-related research university. Additionally, he contributed to public service through his affiliation with the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, a New Deal-era U.S. government agency. His work was recognized by academic institutions in Europe and the United States, leading to honorary doctorates and memberships in prestigious scientific academies.

## FAQs
**What were Paul Lazarsfeld's primary occupations?**
Paul Lazarsfeld worked as a sociologist, psychologist, mathematician, physicist, educator, and professor throughout his career.

**Where did Paul Lazarsfeld receive his education?**
He was educated at the University of Vienna and the Akademisches Gymnasium in Vienna.

**Which organizations was Paul Lazarsfeld a member of?**
He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.

**What awards did Paul Lazarsfeld receive?**
He was awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Vienna and Paris Descartes University.

**What was Paul Lazarsfeld's citizenship?**
He held citizenship in the United States, Austria, and Austria-Hungary.

## Why They Matter
Paul Lazarsfeld matters for his recognized impact across multiple scientific and academic fields. His election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences signifies a high level of peer recognition for his contributions. His career bridged European and American institutions, notably the University of Vienna and the University of Pittsburgh, fostering cross-disciplinary exchange. Furthermore, his involvement with the Federal Emergency Relief Administration placed his analytical skills in the context of critical government relief efforts during the New Deal era.

## Notable For
- **Multidisciplinary Expertise:** Recognized for work spanning sociology, psychology, mathematics, physics, and education.
- **Academic Affiliations:** Held positions at the University of Vienna and the University of Pittsburgh.
- **Government Service:** Affiliated with the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.
- **Honors:** Received honorary doctorates from the University of Vienna and Paris Descartes University.
- **Academy Memberships:** Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.
- **International Background:** Held citizenship in Austria, the United States, and Austria-Hungary.
- **Aliases:** Also known as Paul Felix Lazarsfeld and Elias Smith.

## Body

### Identity and Background
Paul Lazarsfeld, also known by the aliases Paul Felix Lazarsfeld and Elias Smith, was born on February 13, 1901. He lived until August 30, 1976. His national identity was complex, holding citizenship in the United States, Austria, and the historical Austria-Hungary empire. This background positioned him within a transatlantic context that influenced his academic and professional trajectory.

### Education
Lazarsfeld's educational foundation was established in Vienna. He attended the Akademisches Gymnasium, a high school in Vienna established in 1553. He subsequently pursued higher education at the University of Vienna, a prominent public research university founded in 1365 by Duke Rudolf IV. This institution is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world and provided the academic setting for his early scholarly development.

### Professional Career
Lazarsfeld's professional life was defined by a diverse range of occupations. He was actively involved as a sociologist, psychologist, mathematician, physicist, and educator. His primary role was that of a professor, through which he influenced students and academic research.

His employment history included significant tenures at major universities. He worked at the University of Vienna, contributing to its long-standing tradition of research in humanities and natural sciences. He was also affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, a state-related research university located in Pennsylvania, United States. Beyond academia, Lazarsfeld engaged in public service through his employment with the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. This agency, created in 1933, was a key component of the New Deal, tasked with providing work relief for the unemployed during the Great Depression.

### Memberships and Affiliations
Lazarsfeld was integrated into the highest levels of the scientific community. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and policy research center founded in 1780. Additionally, he held membership in the National Academy of Sciences, which serves as the science branch of the United States National Academies. These affiliations underscore the recognition of his work by his peers in the United States.

### Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his scholarly impact, Lazarsfeld received several academic honors. He was named an honorary doctor of the University of Vienna, a distinction dating back to the mid-17th century at the institution. He also received an honorary doctorate from Paris Descartes University in France. These awards highlight the international scope of his influence and the esteem in which his contributions were held across different academic cultures.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
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5. [Source](https://www.asanet.org/about/governance-and-leadership/council/presidents/paul-lazarsfeld)
6. Biographical Dictionary of Modern American Educators
7. [Source](http://geschichte.univie.ac.at/en/persons/paul-felix-lazarsfeld-prof-dr)
8. Paul F. LAZARSFELD. Le Monde. 1976
9. JSTOR
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11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
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