Martineau studied the social customs of Britain and the United States, analyzing the consequences of industrialization and capitalism. In society in America (1962/1837), she examined religion, politics, child rearing, slavery, and immigration in the United States, paying special attention to social distinctions based on class, race, and gender. Her works explore the status of women, children and "sufferers " (persons who are considered to be criminal, mentally ill, handicapped, poor, or alcoholic).