Nineteenth Century Colonial Education In South Afr

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Assignment 1 - Nineteenth Century Colonial Education. George Washington Carver, said: "Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom." White boys or so called elite was given privileged access to schooling. (Morrell, 2001) They were required to receive ‘cultural capital’ believed to provide them with values & ambition. It improved their chance for favorable occupation. (Muller, 1987:4) Hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominant form of masculinity within the gender hierarchy. It is often associated with being white, heterosexual, married and physically tough. (Giddens, 2007) The elite schools were the pinnacle of masculinity. It was while trying to deal with the toughening up process in school that boys formed social groups. (Morrell, 2001) They became the judge, lawyers, politicians and administrators of their time. Boarding schools were primarily for boys and expensive. Its function was to educate the colonial bureaucracy as well growing the professional & commercial class. It was believed crucial in making men out of boys. (Reader) Hilton College and Michaelhouse were some of the first private schools. They represented an elite who was brought up to be gentleman. The first headmaster, James Todd believed that classics and maths were essential for producing men of understanding and culture. (Barrat, 1969) Government schools became available after Natal became part of the Union. They followed the patterns of the elite secondaries. Schooling was finally recognised as necessary. Government schools were not meant for the gentry but for boys with poor parentage. This status changed overtime. (Reader) Very few girls received a secondary education. Mission schools were often run by people without education for financial gain (Hattersley, 1936). Secondary schools were in the forefront in creating male dominance under
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