Louis Wirth (1897-1952) was a sociologist from the "Chicago school" tradition. His research was concerned with how Jewish immigrants adjusted to life in urban America, as well as the distinct social processes of city life. Wirth was a strong supporter of applied sociology, taking the knowledge offered by his discipline and using it to solve real social problems.

Louis Wirth was born on August 28, 1897 in the small village of Gemuden, Germany. He was one of seven children born to Rosalie Lorig and Joseph Wirth. Gemuden was a pastoral community and Joseph Wirth earned a living as a cattle dealer. The Wirths were one of only a few Jewish families in the village. Both of his parents were active in their religious community.

Wirth and his siblings attended the local Protestant elementary school and were taught religion and Hebrew privately. Most children from Gemuden went to work after finishing...