Reintroducing Harriet Martineau

Book excerpt: This book explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts to develop a ‘scientific’ approach to understanding social and societal change. With attention to her focus on the key social structures and societal issues of her day – the economy, education, the condition of women and the evils of slavery – the authors highlight her creation and application of what we now recognise as sociological methodology, fieldwork and analysis. Through an examination in each chapter of the writings that best illustrate Martineau’s sociological perspective, Reintroducing Harriet Martineau discusses her enduring contribution to sociology. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of sociology with interests in the history of the discipline and questions of methodology.