Harriet Martineau's work emphasized the importance of __________ in understanding social structures, particularly regarding gender and class.

Harriet Martineau's work emphasized the importance of observation in understanding social structures, especially concerning gender and class. She believed that to truly understand how society works, one must look closely at people's everyday lives and experiences. For example, by observing how women were treated in different social classes, she highlighted the inequalities they faced and how these affected their roles in society. Martineau's approach helped others see that social issues are deeply connected to people's real-life situations, making her a key figure in sociology. By focusing on observation, she encouraged a more thoughtful examination of social problems that persist today.