Eugenic ideals for womanhood / by Alice Ravenhill.

  • Ravenhill, Alice, 1859-1954.
Date:
[1910?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Eugenic ideals for womanhood / by Alice Ravenhill. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    educability is present from the hour of birth, that the exquisite plasticity of early life ensures a ready response to good manage¬ ment ; she should understand also the enduring influence of early surroundings. Maternity is not the privilege of all women, but a knowledge of the needs of childhood and youth is indis¬ pensable to all; certainly it is to the maiden aunt, and also to the worker who is concerned with the preparation of food, clothing, toys or utensils; to the Inspector under any authority for whatever purpose ; to the heads and subordinates in every institution, public or private; to nurse and teacher; to profes¬ sional woman or philanthropist. In a greater or less degree, adapted to position, to prospective calling in life, and to standard of education, up-to-date knowledge on these points is essential to every woman. My experience is that on the one hand absence of education does not make for the intelligent care of children, and on the other hand that the possession of an Honours’ Degree does not carry this knowledge with it. (4) Another ideal to be firmly held until it is realised is the far more general employment of trained women as elected members of local governing bodies and their committees, or as officials of departments in every type of institution, but especially in those of which women, girls and children constitute a portion of the population. It is a grievous reflection on women that they have not yet convinced society of this necessity. As sick nurses and inspectors in some departments they have secured a footing, and of course as teachers ; but in orphanages, asylums, prisons, schools, workhouses and elsewhere, trained women are rarely to be found, either in authority or as subordinates, though thousands of children and women of all ages suffer seriously from this defect. Is this due to woman’s inefficiency or to her inertia and indifference ? (5) To influence for good the art, the literature and the recreations of her country—to train young people in the wise and fitting use of leisure, are other prominent eugenic ideals for every thinking woman; she has great opportunities for teaching the uses of civilisation ; of showing how to enjoy its gifts so that they may refine, without emasculating; and how they may refresh and cheer without tending to license or excess.