Good wives and mothers: A preliminary survey of women and education in Trinidad 1834-1981

Abstract

This paper surveys the development of education in Trinidad from the 19th century well into the 20th century, and the place of women in that development. It shows that for much of the time, particularly in the earlier years, the role of women in education reflected the way society thought of women in general, that is, as good wives and mothers. Women were employed in primary schools only in very small numbers, and even then were expected to play the role of surrogate mothers to small children rather than teachers. Social, legislative, and educational change came during the years of the 20th century, albeit slowly, largely due to the efforts of the rise of secondary schools, and especially the denominational schools for girls. This paper discusses women in the role of both pupil and teacher, and particularly the place of East Indian girls in the development of education, since this group was hindered not only by societal norms but cultural differences. By the end of the period under discussion, women had become firmly entrenched in the education system at both levels; other types of educational institutions had been established, for example, vocational and technical, in which women played a part as both pupil and teacher, and female teachers were enjoying equal pay, training, and the same opportunities as their male counterparts