Harriet Martineau on contradictions between democratic ideals of equality and women's inequality in America

Harriet Martineau (1802-1876)

I want to introduce you to Harriet Martineau. I don't know here that well, but here are some words from her that I recently read in a sociological theory book.

"The progression or emancipation of any class usually, if not always, takes place through the efforts of individuals of that class: and so it must be here. All women should inform themselves of the condition of their sex and of their own position. It must necessarily follow that the noblest of them will, sooner or later, put forth a moral power which shall [expose hypocrisy], and burst asunder the bonds (silken to some, but cold iron to others,) of feudal prejudices and usages. In the meantime, is it to be understood that the principles of the Declaration of Independence bear no relation to half of the human race? ... how is the restricted and dependent state of women to be reconciled with the proclamation that "all are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" (Society in America, Harriet Martineau, 1837)