Gender-related differences and social entanglements in mathematics education during 19th century: The subject of geometry

Abstract

This paper examines mathematics teaching and learning, specifically of Geometry, in Greek girls’ schools in the 19th century. It explores how educational laws and school practice defined its teaching. Research has proved that female students received only the basics in Geometry, substantially less than what was offered to male students in all-boys’ schools. Also, the Geometry textbooks designed for girls are discussed. The problems considered in the article are at the intersection of economic, political and ideological issues. The study draws on a wide range of primary sources such as school archives and records as well as government gazettes. In particular, the school archives of the Philekpedeutiki Etaireia provide this research with a rich source of information regarding female schooling in 19th century.