In 1871 Darwin wrote his Descent of Man which relates to the controversial subject of the origin of man and to his relationship to primates and other mammals. His earlier theoretical work on evolution, Origin of the Species, influenced social and scientific writings about women. While some social writers of his time were arguing for emancipation of women, Darwin's writings suggest that the inferior development of women could not be overcome.
1859: Origin of the Species.
1871: Chapter 8 - Principles of Sexual Selection, from Descent of Man.
1871: Chapter 19 and 20 - Secondary Sexual Characters of Man, from Descent of Man.
See also Darwin and Darwinism section.
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