Harriett Martineau: The Early Sociological Activist

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One of the early sociological theorists, who in retrospect, contributed greatly to the field of sociology is Harriett Martineau. Martineau has been referred to as one of the first public sociologists (Sociology.com) due to her ability to interpret complex ideas in a way that can be understood by the populace. She was a prolific writer, who through her observational reviews, set forth a framework in which to study social life (D.umn.edu)

Martineau was born in 1802 in England, to a wealthy family. She was the sixth of eight children whose father was a textile mill owner and whose mother was the daughter of a sugar mill owner. Her family was descended from Huguenots and practiced the Unitarian faith. Harriett’s mother was a firm believer

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