Print this page A Woman’s Sphere: How 19th Century British Women Created a Social Revolution that Changed the Empire

In 19th century Britain and her colonies, the socio-religious doctrine known as “The Two Spheres” was enshrined in law. This doctrine defined the roles of men and women in society. Two clearly delineated spheres - the masculine sphere was the world of action, politics, economics, education and religion; the feminine sphere was the world of hearth and home where women were subservient to father, husband or brother because by law they were deemed to be “minors’; unfit to have an independent voice in society. To enforce this separation of roles women were denied access to higher education, unable to hold public office, to have their own income, and in the event of divorce, access to their own children. This is a course about a number of notable women and men who challenged this doctrine and in the process changed social attitudes as well as the laws which limited women’s rights and opportunities.

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.
 

Independent Study Discussion Courses are for study by groups without a tutor, so there is no need to write reports. These courses were written by tutors who have now since retired from the Discussion Group Program. Some courses were written a number of years ago, and therefore contain references to events which are now more historical than current, however, all are entertaining, well-produced and worthwhile.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Susanne Glover

Course Code: D182

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $48 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.