This chapter discusses feminist contributions to the science of sociology. Women of the time were not prominent in the field and many of their works have been lost or downplayed through sociological history. These women include Harriet Marineau, who wrote the first text on sociological research, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, who wrote critical theories of child development and domestic work, Jane Addams who worked for equality among the poor. In addition, Anna Julia Cooper and Ida Wells-Barnett dealt with African American and feminist issues, while Marianne Schnitger Weber wrote of the oppression of women in both domestic and workplace settings, and Beatrice Potter Webb, who like Addams worked for government reforms to benefit the lower classes. Each woman had her own perspective and contribution to sociology but collectively their works have left a feminist mark on the science of Sociology.

http://www.runet.edu/~lridener/DSS/INDEX.HTML

This site is from Dr. Larry Ridener’s Dead Sociologists Society. It includes the complete life history of Jane Addams, information about her family, significance of Addams as a sociologist, summaries of her projects in Chicago and her feminists works. Concludes with evaluations of her contributions to sociology.

http://www.sma.ncsu.edu/Nubian/Archives/Spring1998/012298/Culture/annajuliacooper.html

This site gives information on Anna Julia Cooper’s contribution to sociology through the development of Black feminism. It describes her works with African American women and the need for abolition and suffrage in America.

http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/gilman.html

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was a commentator on the evolving social order, especially of its effects on the status of women. This article gives a good history and other authors comments on Charlotte. There is also a good bibliography page that lists the works that concern Charlotte Perkins.

http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/martineau.html

This site includes bibliographic information about the life of Martineau including her childhood and adult years. Discusses her writings and works in sociology, many of which were forgotten due to her gender.

http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/webb.html

This site contains information on Webb’s life, both in her early and later years. Focuses on her work in sociology, her book, The History of Trade Unionism and Industrial Democracy, and gives criticisms of her work among the poor.