The Education and Employment of Girls in Luton, 1874-1924

This book examines the education of Luton girls and its relationship with employment opportunities. The acknowledged independence of spirit to be found in Luton was especially noticeable among its female population wihc enjoyed considerable economic power within the traditional hat-making industry. In spite of this, there is evidence to show that girls' education was biased towards their roles as wives and mothers. However, by the early twentieth century, the effects of compulsory education and the introduction of new industries into the town meant that their status and expectations had changed. Sunday schooling was important to children from the labouring classes and the contribution of these schools has been assessed. Specific themes include half-time schooling and the granting of labour cerificates which allowed children to leave school before the statutory age.