Rieff

Rieff is a surname of Germanic origin that appears in English-language contexts primarily in reference to notable individuals in academia and journalism.

Philip Rieff (1922–2006) was an American sociologist and cultural critic known for his critique of modern culture, religion, and the dynamics of civilization. He authored a number of influential works on how cultural and moral orders shape social life, with The Triumph of the Therapeutic (1966) among his best-known books. Rieff’s writings often examined the shifts in Western societies toward therapeutic norms and their implications for politics, religion, and public life. He taught at several universities and remained a prominent voice in debates about culture and religion during the latter half of the 20th century.

David Rieff (born 1952) is an American author and journalist, the son of Philip Rieff. He has written on politics, international affairs, and humanitarian issues, contributing to various publications and publishing books that address global events and policy questions. Rieff’s work emphasizes analysis of contemporary conflicts and the ethics of intervention, often drawing on his experiences as a correspondent and observer of international life.

The surname Rieff is relatively uncommon and most often encountered in North American and European contexts. It is sometimes encountered in discussions of American sociology and cultural criticism due to Philip Rieff’s influence and David Rieff’s journalistic and literary work.