Dorothy E. Smith

Dorothy E. Smith was a sociologist known for developing a perspective called "justification" and a method called "standpoint theory." She emphasized understanding social life from the perspectives of everyday people, especially women, to uncover how societal structures shape experiences. Her work challenges traditional, top-down approaches by highlighting how knowledge is influenced by social position and power. By focusing on women's experiences, she aimed to reveal hidden aspects of society and promote more equitable, inclusive perspectives. Her insights have significantly influenced feminist sociology and qualitative research approaches.