Dominant Culture and the Education of Women

Women’s access to education over the centuries has been determined by many factors, including class, race, religion, and nationality. Although women’s experiences are marked by a rich diversity, women are in many ways united by their struggle to gain access to education. While previous essay collections that study this topic have tended to be more limited in scope, Dominant Culture and the Education of Women addresses the educational experiences of women from the fourth to the twenty-first century in Europe and the Americas. Because of its inclusive nature, this collection demonstrates not only that women have made great strides in education but also that certain challenges have yet to be overcome. While medieval women faced cloistering and severe restrictions, modern women have gained entry into previously all-male universities and male dominated professions. However, women under totalitarian regimes or from marginalized communities continue to struggle against patriarchal conceptions of women’s roles and use of the tools of literacy. This volume will appeal to all who seek new insights into the many subjects related to female education, including women’s studies, education, comparative cultural and literary studies, and history.