One of the top four programs in the United States throughout the twentieth century, Wisconsin was known for Institutional approach that was "empirical, focused on institutions, and social control". What distinguished Wisconsin Institutionalism was commitment to Progressive reform, an emphasis on field research, historical case studies, and focus on the larger cultural and legal environment. While having many contributors, the defining individual of Wisconsin Institutionalism was John R. Commons. Women have received little attention by those writing the history of Wisconsin Institutionalism. Yet, the daughters of Commons made important contributions both to the body of work considered Wisconsin Institutionalist as well as to its diffusion. By actively including women in his research program, Commons vastly expanded the army of people well-equipped to contribute to his social-political agenda. This allowed Wisconsin Institutionalism to achieve much larger footprint than would have otherwise been possible, as women made significant contributions to the spread of Wisconsin Institutionalism though publications, teaching, and applications.