Discusses the importance of the work of radical educator Paul Robin and the socio-political environment in nineteenth century France which prompted it. Robin advocated free, secular, public education for the working classes which stressed spontaneity, practicality, individualized instruction, and sexual equality. (AM)

Examines women's role models as described in six textbooks used in French public and Catholic elementary schools from 1880-1940. Women were consistently portrayed in domestic roles, low-status jobs, and rural settings. Research indicated that these descriptions were accurate portrayals of social values and women's limited opportunities in that…

Discusses the necessity of setting boundaries for a research topic while bridging gaps with information from other disciplines and history of education in other nations. Illustrates the point with the history of women's education in the United States. Includes discussion of the influence of British boys' schools, French boarding schools, and the…