European perceptions of American coeducation, 1865-1914: ethnicity, religion and culture.

Abstract

In the era between the American Civil War and World War I, European observers considered coeducation, especially at the secondary level, to be one of the most remarkable features of American education and society. This article explores how Europeans tried to explain why mixing the sexes could work in the New World but, in the eyes of most, was impossible or unacceptable in their own countries. Although some commentators referred to “race” or ethnicity as the crucial factor that allowed American boys and girls to mingle in school without producing significant immorality, most visitors ultimately saw cultural differences as more important. An intriguing paradox in their perceptions was that many saw the United States as the progressive “land of the future,” but considered coeducation a holdover from primitive frontier conditions.