The Study On British Women’s Higher Education From1848to1949

British women’s higher education went through a long term development from the establishment of the first women’s college in1848to the recognition of women students in the universities in1949. The mutual development of society, economy and culture provided precious opportunities for British women receiving higher education.This article mainly concentrates on the generating and developing process of British women’s higher education from1848to1949. Through the development for nearly a century, its achievement not only enhances female’s economic and social status, but also helps to speed up British modernization process.As the first industrialized country in the world, the industrial revolution supplied material resources for British women’s higher education, and the strengthening of government intervention also provided guidance for its development. Meanwhile, women began to realize the importance of education because of the development of women’s elementary education; the first feminist wave awakened women’s self-awareness which prepared themselves mentally for the rise of women’s higher education.Chapter Three expounds the rise and development of women’s higher education from1848to1949. From the establishment of the first women’s college to the spreading of University Extension Movements, women began to realize the significance of receiving higher education. With the development of women’s college in Oxford and Cambridge, female students gradually achieved recognition and started to become the real members of colleges.Chapter Four discusses the influences of women’s higher education. From the examples, we can see the changes of British women who began to think, learn and work independently. At the same time, they began to practice their sense of social responsibility, which can be reflected in promoting the development of education and feminism. Their sense of autonomy has also been strengthened, for example, they can choose their husbands at their wills and pursue equal rights with them.Chapter Five summarizes the achievements and obstacles in the development of women’s higher education and discusses its significance for guiding Chinese women’s higher education.