.Women in sociology have shaped and changed the development of their field. This volume documents the major outlines of their work and profound impact from 1840 to 1990. The expertise and influence of these women are of such magnitude that it should have been impossible to forget or neglect them in the discipline of sociology--yet far too often their connections to sociology and to sociological labor have been buried. This unique reference book on female sociologists can answer a number of questions about them: Who were, or are, the female founders in sociology? Where were they born and when? What were their most important writings? What were their major accomplishments? How have they been honored? What are their connections to the discipline of sociology?

These founding sisters worked in all specialities: e.g., aging, conflict resolution, criminology, demography, marriage and the family, race relations, research methods, social psychology, theory, and women. These women transcended narrow definitions of sociological thought and practice. Thus, scholars in disciplines other than sociology, including American studies, criminology, economics, history, literature, political science, law, psychology, social psychology, social work, women's studies, and urban studies, will find this volume of significant interest.