Some Obstacles to the Establishment of a Universal Method of Education for Parenthood by the P.N.E.U

Abstract

The thesis is based on an historical study of the period of active contribution to upper and middle class education for parenthood by the Parents' National Educational Union. It was founded in Bradford (1887) by Charlotte Mason and Emeline Steinthal and became a national society in 1890. The original purpose of the P.N.E.U. was the education for parenthood of fathers and mothers, from all social classes. The study includes a reappraisal of the biography of Charlotte Mason (1841?-1923) and her significant influence over the P.N.E.U. The ideas in her book Home Education which gave impetus to the founding of the P.N.E.U. are reviewed. The problems in establishing a central organisation are described. The work of the P.N.E.U. branches is outlined together with a study of the only branch for artisan class members in Liverpool and the Birmingham branch, remarkable for its longevity. Following the active period of education for parenthood work (1887-1921), most branches were transformed into Area Associations, in support of private P.N.E.U. schools. Three further educational schemes, organised by Miss Mason, are reviewed. These are the Parents' Review School, for children in home school rooms, the House of Education, which offered residential training for private governesses, and the Mothers' Education Course, by correspondence. Finally, the transformation of the P.N.E.U. emphasis from the education of parents to the promotion of P.N.E.U. liberal education in schools is analysed. Universal education for parenthood by the P.N.E.U. was curtailed by Miss Mason's desire for control over the Union which fostered smallness, discipleship and inward-looking tendencies. Consequent rivalries and alliances between the P.N.E.U. women leaders led to the transfer of emphasis in education from the home to the school. The educational ideas and programmes as well as paternal participation were limited. Matriarchal leadership also fostered social class exclusivity of membership and inhibited outgoing social reform.