In this article, questions of public education in both environmental issues and science, more broadly, are examined in an effort to respond to Richard Aldrich's call for historians of education to use their skills and understanding both to inform the present and to shape a more enlightened future. In particular, the lives and work of three women…

Background: the belief that women and science, including mathematics and medicine, are incompatible has had a long and complex history and still often works to exclude women from and/or marginalise them in science. Purpose: this article will seek to explore gender and educational achievement through investigating how such gendered presumptions…

The eighteenth century was characterised by a ferment of ideas and activities which have usually been portrayed as masculine. It is now increasingly perceived that such developments travelled further through society than hitherto generally recognised. Even women participated in "enlightened living", despite gendered limitations on…

Discusses the debate on gender and imperialism in India by examining the case of Mary Carpenter, a nineteenth century English educationist and social reformer, in order to provide more information on the debate. Addresses where Carpenter stood in the discourse on imperialism. (CMK)

Examines the work of 18th-century educational reformer Anna Barbauld. Traces her links to other radical reform circles including the dissenting academy of Warrington, radical circles in East Anglia, Stoke Newington, the publisher Joseph Johnson, and Joseph and Mary Priestly. Discusses the impact of these groups on early 19th-century education.…

Investigates women headteachers' professional identity and leadership styles, returning readers to the late 19th century, when the first (British) secondary schools for girls were established. Explores various issues, such as sensible dress, girls' sports, health education, and extracurricular activities, employing case studies of three Birmingham…