As a sociology student, have you ever noticed that all the founders of the discipline of sociology are “fathers”? You might wonder, were there no female sociologists who helped establish the subject in its early days?

Well, the answer is yes, there were. One particular woman sociologist theorised about society and social conditions before Weber, Durkheim and even Marx!

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We will be looking at the life and works of Harriet Martineau.

• We will first familiarise ourselves with Harriet Martineau’s life and main ideas.
• We will then go over a list of her contributions to sociology, including her famous works.
• Afterwards, we will study some of her major theories.
• Finally, we will examine her feminist theory and activism.

Harriet Martineau’s life

Harriet Martineau (1802 – 1876) was an English writer, theorist, and journalist who is considered by many to be the “mother” of sociology. One of the first women to contribute to the sociological field, Martineau theorised about the patriarchal conditions of women in the 19th century, as well as major religious, social, and political institutions in society.

Personal background

Martineau was born and raised in Norwich to a religious Unitarian family. Although she and her sisters received an education like her brothers, Martineau, like most women at the time, was urged to focus on “feminine” interests such as domesticity instead of a career. However, she was always against this, choosing to write anonymously for a Unitarian publication as well as pursuing “proper” feminine activities such as needlework.

Her father operated a textile business, but when this failed, Martineau, at the age of 27, defied convention and became the main breadwinner for her family through her own talent and affinity for writing.

Career and legacy: Harriet Martineau’s main ideas

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Martineau initially wrote for the same Unitarian publication, and gradually went on to publish very successful books on political economy, accounts of travels in America and the Middle East, political analyses on India and Ireland and even some novels.

Martineau also made many journalistic contributions, including on the topic of women’s rights, which she championed all her life. Among the most noteworthy of her sociological contributions were translations of key sociologist Auguste Comte’s works.

Martineau also took a number of controversial stances throughout her life. Alongside her outspoken arguments in favour of women’s education, employment, and civil rights; she supported the abolition of slavery in the U.S. and distanced herself from her religious beliefs in later life. She also never married or had children. Despite all this, she knew and was supported by many influential figures, from Princess Victoria to Charles Dickens.

Even though much of Martineau’s work was specific to Victorian society and social conditions, and although her contributions are overlooked even now, she was and continues to be a critical figure in the social sciences.

Harriet Martineau was a pioneer amongst female sociologists and scholars. Wikimedia Commons

Harriet Martineau’s contributions to sociology: famous works

Below you can find some of Martineau’s most important and widely discussed works:

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   Illustrations of Political Economy (1834)

2. Society in America (1837)

3. Retrospect of Western Travel (1838)

4. Deerbrook (1839)

5. Household Education (1848)

6. Letters on the Laws of Man’s Nature and Development (1851)

7. The Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte (1853) (Translation)

What are some of Harriet Martineau’s theories?

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Category: WHY