Explanation:

- Option 1: H. Maine

- Sir Henry James Sumner Maine, a British comparative jurist and historian, described social evolution as a transition from societies based on status to those based on contract.

- In his 1861 work, "Ancient Law," he suggests that in early societies, relationships and obligations were determined by a person's social status, but as societies evolved, they were governed more by contractual obligations.

- ? Correct Answer: H. Maine

- Option 2: W.H. Sumner

- Incorrect name, likely referring to William Graham Sumner, an American social scientist.

- He contributed to sociology and social Darwinism but did not specifically characterize societal evolution in terms of status versus contract.

- Option 3: H. Spencer

- Herbert Spencer, an English philosopher and sociologist, is known for applying evolutionary theory to sociology.

- He discussed societal evolution but not specifically in terms of status to contract.

- Option 4: G. Simmel

- Georg Simmel, a German sociologist, studied social structures and interactions with a focus on the individual.

- He did not describe societal progress in terms of status to contract.