Representations of female teachers in the early 20th century

Abstract

This work discusses the issues regarding Female teaching representations
in the early 20th century. It aims specifically to address the case
of primary teachers in “Normal Schools” in Lisbon and in Natal. Thus,
a documental research was carried out in information fonts such as A
República and Diário do Natal newspapers, Nominal Registration Books
of Teachers who Graduated from “Normal Schools” as well as Normative
Regulation documents. The research was theoretically supported
by Chartier (1990), Chervel (1990), Ciavatta (2002), Elias (1994),
Nóvoa (1987), Schriewer (2000) and Scott (1990). The work points out
elements such as the resistance to the opening of institutions for the women
´s education, the co-education of the sexes, and consequently, their
permanence in teaching, on the grounds of morality, the promiscuity
Representações da docência feminina no início do século XX 41
of bodies and the biological constitution; are all difficulties faced by
women’s magisterium. The compatibility between women’s private life
and public life justified their professional exclusion, and the difference
of job roles justified the practiced low wages.

Keywords: Education. Normal Schools. Teaching. Teacher Training. Gender.