Martineau and Addams
Like many male thinkers of their time, Harriet Martineau and Jane Addams differed in their methodological approaches to social research. Neither fit into the mold of the predominant male sociological thought that argued for a distant, theoretical approach to social research. Both emphasized direct observation, although the work of Martineau was somewhat more empirical and distant than the work of Addams. For instance, Martineau emphasize a standard approach to observation, while Addams centralized her work around not only direct observation, but also direct engagement with observational subjects. Addams, unlike Martineau, argues that the purpose of social research is the progression towards social change for the common good. Martineau’s focus is on more generalizable knowledge to develop a theoretical understanding of society.
So which is the right approach? How about a combination of both! Let’s take the social issue of economic gender inequality today and apply both approaches. Martineau, as a empirical research, would approach economic gender inequality from the vantage point of a women, with a focus on directly observing this inequality. So as the World Economic Forum reports, economic gender inequality is perpetuated by the disparity between economic and political involvement for men and women worldwide (World Economic Forum). Martineau’s methodological approach would call for directly observing such inequality both in terms of those experiencing said inequality, as well as the cultural characteristics of those societies which are affected. For instance, such cultural characteristics might include birth certificates, school enrollment records, national employment reports, marriage records, etc. By viewing these cultural documents, Martineau would be able to better understand the “morals and manners” that generate economic gender inequality. By understanding these cultural facets, Martineau could develop a generalizable theory that may be applicable to other societies. With this knowledge, Martineau would hope that members of the society would work to improve upon their “morals and manners” for the benefit of all.
Addams would also approach economic gender inequality vantage point of a woman, but would also emphasize direct participation in the lives of those experiencing unequal treatment. With less focus on empirical research, Addams’ focus would be more on direct involvement that could help members of that society experience social change for their benefit. Essentially, she would argue to meet people where they are, only then can you understand their experiences and hopefully work to change their circumstances. In terms of economic gender inequality, Addams after understanding those experiences would see her role as being an agent of change. Unlike, Martineau, Addams was not focused on the theoretical applicability of her observation, rather the thought the purpose of social research was to improve society.
Both have methodological approaches have value. Given the complex nature of the social world today, it is important that sociology has an empirical lense so that information is reliable, as well as an emphasis on social change. Without having a moral purpose for such empiricism, research becomes rather pointless. Why try to understand society if you don’t want to make it better?
With this being said, the issue of economic gender inequality has much to glean from both Martineau’s empirical approach, as well as Addams’ sociological role as an agent of social change. We see gender inequality perpetuated worldwide every day. By empowering both women and men to approach society with an empirical, observational lense, and work for the improvement of society benefits would be had for all. Developing a cultural understanding through empirical methods and experiences these inequalities first hand would hardly permit ignorance any longer. While women are making great strides towards complete equality in some regions, there are still many regions unlikely to see such progressive social change.
It is obvious that the methodological approaches of both Harriet Martineau and Jane Addams are applicable to the social issues facing both the US and the world today. With an emphasis on both methodologies sociologists have a much better chance at developing sound theoretical claims, and making a pointed difference to society as whole. We learn more from combining good ideas, rather than trying to unnecessary divide and antagonize.
References
Lengermann, P. and Niebrugge. 1998. “Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)-The Beginnings of a Science of Society.” Pp. 23-61 in The Women Founders: Sociology and Social Theory. Long Grove: Waveland Press, Inc.
Lengermann, P. and Niebrugge. 1998. “Jane Addams (1860-1935)- Ethics and Society” Pp. 65-100 in The Women Founders: Sociology and Social Theory. Long Grove: Waveland Press, Inc.
World Economic Forum. 2016. “The Global Gender Gap Report 2016: Results and Analysis.” Retrieved Feb. 19, 2018 (http://reports.weforum.org/global-gender-gap-report-2016/results-and-analysis/).