In Love with Society: The Philanthropic Origins of Social Science in Britain (1790-1857)

Abstract

The origins of social science in Britain cannot be separated from the history of the philanthropic movement. In fact, the first uses of the expression «social science» appeared within the context of charitable associations at a date as early as 1790. More particularly, philanthropy itself was conceptualized as the science of social order, aimed to extract information from society to improve the «art» of governing it. In 1857, organized charity also inspired the establishment of the Social Science Association.