Education for Middle Class Girls

What was the primary aim for middle class women in the 19th century?

• To travel and explore different cultures.

• To get married to a wealthy man.

• To pursue higher education and careers.

• To engage in political activism and reform.

How did the role of middle class girls change from previous generations?

• Middle class girls are now expected to focus on being attractive to get married.

• The role of middle class girls has shifted from helping with housework to acquiring some particular skills.

• The role of middle class girls has remained unchanged over generations.

• Middle class girls are primarily involved in manual labor and farming.

What types of skills were middle class girls expected to learn?

• She has to learn how to behave in social situation.

• Art, music, and dance

• Mathematics, science, and engineering

• Law and medecine.

Why were middle class girls not involved in housework?

• Middle class families could now afford to have servants.

• They were encouraged to help with younger siblings (=brothers and sisters)

• They had to work in factories after school.

• They were expected to focus on education and social activities.

What does 'gentility' refer to in the context of middle class education?

• Gentility describes the physical appearance of individuals.

• Gentility is synonymous with poverty and hardship.

• Gentility refers to a lack of education in the working class.

• Gentility refers to the social status and refinement associated with the upper classes.

What was the significance of learning conversational French for these girls?

• To pass a standardized test before marriage.

• To prepare for a trip to France.

• To copy the skills of the upper class girls.

• The significance of learning conversational French for these girls was to improve communication skills and cultural understanding to fit into their new role.

How did the presence of servants impact the education of middle class girls?

• Servants were primarily responsible for teaching middle class girls.

• Servants had no impact on the education of middle class girls.

• Servants limited the education of middle class girls by distracting them.

• Servants provided middle class girls with more time for education by handling household chores.

What qualities were parents looking for in a potential husband for their daughters?

• Financial stability, good character, respectfulness, compatibility, strong family background.

• communication skills

• Disrespectful behavior

• Lack of ambition

In what ways did the education of middle class girls mirror that of upper class girls?

• Upper class girls were trained in technical skills and professional careers, unlike middle class girls.

• Both middle and upper class girls were encouraged to pursue higher education and independence.

• Middle class girls received a rigorous academic education similar to upper class boys.

• The education of middle class girls mirrored that of upper class girls in emphasizing social skills, domestic training, and limited academic subjects, focusing on preparing them for marriage.

What were some of the 'accomplishments' that middle class girls were encouraged to pursue?

• Proficiency in scientific research

• Skills in music, art, literature, and domestic sciences.

• Skills in engineering and technology

• Expertise in financial management