The question asks to identify the individual who described the evolution of citizenship by tracing it through three main stages: Civil rights, Political rights, and Social rights.

This specific framework for understanding the historical development of citizenship is famously associated with the British sociologist T. H. Marshall.

Understanding T. H. Marshall's Citizenship Theory

T. H. Marshall presented his influential theory on citizenship in his 1950 essay, "Citizenship and Social Class." He argued that citizenship had evolved in Western societies over several centuries, progressively expanding the types of rights individuals could claim.

He identified three core components, or stages, in this historical development:

• Civil Rights: According to Marshall, civil rights were the first to develop, largely in the 18th century. These are the rights necessary for individual freedom, such as the right to liberty, freedom of speech, thought, and religion, the right to own property, and the right to justice (access to courts and fair legal process).
• Political Rights: Political rights emerged primarily in the 19th century, building upon the foundation of civil rights. These relate to the right to participate in the exercise of political power. This includes the right to vote in elections and the right to hold public office. The expansion of suffrage during this period is a key example of the development of political rights.
• Social Rights: Marshall argued that social rights were the most recent to develop, becoming prominent in the 20th century. These rights are aimed at securing a minimum standard of economic welfare and security, and the right to share in the social heritage. Examples include rights to education, health care, unemployment benefits, and pensions – elements associated with the rise of the welfare state.

Marshall viewed these three types of rights as developing sequentially and cumulatively, contributing to the ideal of full and equal citizenship within a nation-state.

Revision Table: Marshall's Stages of Citizenship

Based on Marshall's widely recognized contribution, he is the sociologist who traced the evolution of citizenship through these three key stages.

Additional Information on Citizenship Evolution

T. H. Marshall's work remains highly significant for understanding the relationship between citizenship, social class, and the development of welfare states. He suggested that the expansion of social rights was a way to mitigate the inequalities generated by the capitalist market economy.

While his model provides a valuable historical framework, it has also been subject to debate and critique. Some scholars argue that the development of these rights was not always a linear or sequential process, and that Marshall's focus was heavily centered on the British experience. Others note that his theory did not fully account for inequalities based on gender, race, or ethnicity in the achievement of full citizenship.

Despite these discussions, understanding Marshall's civil, political, and social rights framework is essential for students studying sociology, political science, and the history of social policy.