Born in 1934 in Kapkeim, East Prussia. He completed his doctorate in 1962 under Adorno. 1970–2002 chair of sociology at the University of Hanover. 1994 co-founded the Loccum Initiative of Critical Academics. In his most recent works he has tackled issues such as work, dignity, and globalization. His last publication was "Die Faust-Karriere. Vom verzweifelten Intellektuellen zum gescheiterten Unternehmer" (The Faustian Career. From Despairing Intellectual to Failed Entrepreneur, 2006).