Westermarck, Edward: - Edward Westermarck was a Finnish philosopher and sociologist who lived from 1862 to 1939. He is best known for his pioneering work in the fields of anthropology and sociology, particularly in the study of human sexuality and marriage. Westermarck was born in Helsinki, Finland, and studied at the University of Helsinki before pursuing further studies in Berlin and London. He worked as a lecturer and professor in various institutions throughout his career, including the University of Helsinki and the London School of Economics. One of Westermarck's most significant contributions to the field of sociology was his theory of the incest taboo, which he developed in his book "The History of Human Marriage". He argued that the taboo against incest was not a universal or innate human trait, but rather a product of social and cultural factors. Westermarck was also a vocal advocate for sexual and gender equality, and his work challenged many traditional assumptions about the role of women in society.