Prof. Dr. Amir Ben Porat is a distinguished sociologist with extensive experience in both academia and applied social research. He earned his B.A. in Sociology and Political Science (1967) and M.A. in Sociology (1971) from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, followed by a Ph.D. from Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland (1973). Prof. Ben Porat has held various academic positions, including Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. His research spans sociology of sport, class and state capitalism, social theory, and social inequality. He has directed several research projects and published extensively in his fields of specialization. Prof. Ben Porat has been an influential figure in the development of social sciences in Israel, contributing to numerous professional organizations and research initiatives. He retired in 2007 but continues to impact the academic community through his ongoing involvement in sociological research and education.