Lester Frank Ward as a sociologist of gender - A new look at his sociological work

This article analyzes the writings of Lester Frank Ward on relevant topics in the sociology of gender Although Ward's work on the subjection of women has been largely ignored, a new look at these writings reveals much of inte rest. His theory of early female superiority in human societies, his associ ation of the rise of male dominance with the discovery of paternity and the development of property, his recognition of the role of conflict and force in human society, and his discussion of marriage and family as reinforcing male proprietary interests in women are significant Ward was one of many e arly sociologists who supported women's equality and who critically evaluat ed the role of gender in society, but like the others, his work has been ig nored, discounted, and misrepresented by later more conservative, interpret ers of the discipline. However he should be recognized as one of the import ant forerunners of the sociology of gender.