Lubelski Rocznik Pedagogiczny (Apr 2020)

The fair sex? About home teachers in the Kingdom of Poland in the nineteenth and early twentieth century

  • Monika Hajkowska

DOI
https://doi.org/10.17951/lrp.2020.39.1.11-26
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 39, no. 1
pp. 11 – 26

Abstract

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The development of the emancipation movement in the nineteenth century contributed to taking up employment by the representatives of the fair sex. Being married and having family did not satisfy women's needs and life ambitions. The editors of women's magazines addressed their expectations by providing information about potential professions in which they could find career fulfillment. Working as a home teacher was considered attractive. However, few women realized that it was a difficult profession requiring sacrifice. In a fight for the position, they competed not only with women but also with men. They had to gain the support of the employers and their families and win the favor of the students. Not infrequently, due to a large number of duties, they postponed plans to start a family or relinquished them, choosing a single life. A small group of them was able to combine work with family responsibilities.

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