The Sexes in Science and History (eBook)

Eliza Burt Gamble (1841–1920) was an influential American writer, feminist and social scientist whose work at the turn of the 20th century was integral in challenging the scientific community's perceptions of gender and evolution. Born Eliza Burt, she married James Gamble with whom she shared an intellectual partnership. Gamble's most renowned work, 'The Evolution of Woman: An Inquiry into the Dogma of Her Inferiority to Man,' published in 1894, scrutinized the prevailing Darwinian theory that women were biologically and intellectually inferior to men, and formed a foundation for her subsequent explorations into gender-related topics. Her later book, 'The Sexes in Science and History,' delved deeper into the historical and scientific insights regarding gender, consolidating her legacy as a pioneering thinker who utilized evolutionary theory to advocate for gender equality. Gamble's writing is characterized by meticulous research and a persuasive narrative style that seeks to marry evolutionary theory with feminist ideology. Her literary contributions significantly influenced the early women's movement and the social sciences, offering a fresh perspective on the roles and capabilities of women in society. Her works continue to be referenced by scholars interested in the intersection of gender studies, history, and evolutionary biology.