How to Observe Morals and Manners

This foundational text, How to Observe Morals and Manners, explores sociological research methods and offers critical insights into social observation techniques.

Published in 1838, How to Observe Morals and Manners is a pioneering work that lays the groundwork for modern sociological research methodology. This new edition revives the insights of Harriet Martineau, who conducted two years of intensive field research in the United States, offering contemporary readers a comprehensive guide to the techniques of sociological observation. Martineau's work is significant as it serves as a foundational text for the field, addressing various methodological issues that remain relevant today.

Martineau explores critical topics such as bias, hasty generalization, sampling methods, and data recording techniques. By framing her observations as advice for travelers in foreign lands, she emphasizes the importance of approaching social phenomena with an open mind and careful attention to detail. Her pragmatic tips and suggested questions guide researchers in examining key social institutions, including religion, education, marriage, and more, making this book a valuable resource for sociologists and social scientists alike.

In addition to its methodological contributions, How to Observe Morals and Manners also offers theoretical insights into social class, religion, domestic relations, and the status of women. Martineau's reflections on these topics position her as a critical thinker in the early development of sociology, predating the works of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber. The introduction by Michael R. Hill contextualizes Martineau's work within her broader epistemological framework, highlighting her role as a reflexive and scientific pioneer in sociological thought.