Benjamin Kidd

Benjamin Kidd (1858–1916) was a British sociologist whose first job was a civil service clerk, but who, by persistent self-education, became internationally famous by the publication of his book Social Evolution in 1894. Kidd argued that the "evolution of society and of modern civilization" is caused not by reason or science, but by the force of "religious beliefs." The book had worldwide circulation and impacted the Social Gospel movement.

Kidd is reckoned as a founder of sociology as a discipline. Influenced by Darwinism evolution, Kidd sought and found analogies between the evolution of human society and of the biological organism.

Kidd’s prolific writings had a major impact at the time. However, the world was so different after the First World War that Kidd’s work became relegated to historical interest.

Early life

Benjamin Kidd was born in County Clare, Ireland on 9 September 1858, the first of eleven children of Benjamin Kidd (c.1831–1914), a constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and his wife, Mary Rebecca (1833–1916). The son did not have "early advantages of education or social position." However, his "self-belief and drive" were so strong that Kidd’s life became a "rags to riches" story.