Lawrence Goldman examines the origins of social policies in the mid-Victorian period from the 1850s to the 1880s. He focuses on the Social Science Association (the SSA), a remarkable organization whose debates on Victorian society attracted many eminent and powerful contributors. The Association is famous for its influence over many different social policies, including the emancipation of women. It was the first and most important arena for the pioneer British feminists. Goldman depicts the SSA in the context of its age, and explains its relevance to politics, social life and intellectual development.