This book takes a novel approach to the topic, combining biographical approaches and local history, a synthesis of sociological and historical literature, with new research to address a variety of themes and provide a comprehensive, rounded history demonstrating the entanglement of educational experience and the influence of different modes of discrimination and prejudice. Using the lens of gender, Jane Martin reassesses the gendered nature of the modern history of education and provides an overview of intertwined aspects of education, society, politics and power. Its organisation is user friendly, providing accessible information with regard to chronologies of legislation and key events to reflect constancy and change, whilst ¿mapping¿ the larger political, economic, social and cultural contexts, making it ideal for use as a textbook or a resource for teachers and students.

Jane Martin is Professor of Social History of Education and Director of the Domus Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Histories of Education and Childhood at the University of Birmingham, UK. She is Executive Editor of Educational Review.

PART I: POLITICS AND POLICIES.- 1. Gendering the educational landscape.- 2. Women, the family and early state intervention.- 3. Gender equity and the "ladder of opportunity".- 4. Perspectives and debates since the 1970s.- PART II: LEARNERS AND LEARNING.- 5. Culture and curriculum.- 6. Pupils.- 7. Students.- PART III: TEACHERS AND TEACHING.- 8. Women in Teaching.- 9. Gender Struggles.- 10. Conclusion: Constancy and Change in the 21st Century.