Gender, education and social change : a study of feminist politics and practice in London, 1870–1990

This article explores feminist interventions in urban school politics. First, it argues that the female contribution was an essential component to politics and policy making in the 120-year period that London had a single education authority. Second, it suggests that these women politicians were advocates of a cultural praxis that involved reforming institutions to change the trajectory of political consciousness in twentieth century Britain. Particular emphasis is given to a generational analysis of what was achieved by a long line of women struggling politically and the relevance of much of their political and educational agenda for politics today.