Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.32728/flux.2023.5.3
Breaking into the Men’s World: First Female Students’ Experiences at the Royal University of Francis Joseph I in Zagreb
Tihana Luetić
orcid.org/0000-0002-1590-8420
; Department of Historical Sciences, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb
Abstract
The paper delves into stereotypes and prejudice surrounding the initial female students at Zagreb’s Royal University of Francis Joseph I during the early 20th century. Across the region, including Croatia, access to universities was a challenge for women due to debates concerning their perceived roles. Although women gained admission to the University in 1895, it was limited to part-time status. However, a positive turn occurred in September 1901, allowing women to enroll as full-time students at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb. Examining contemporary stereotypes and prejudices, this contribution explores whether these women conformed to prevailing biases or navigated past them based on their experiences. Additionally, the paper will explore the reactions triggered by their presence at the university. Drawing from private sources like correspondence and memoirs, the paper will shed light on the firsthand experiences of these pioneering female students in an academic setting predominantly male. It aims to discuss women’s higher education in Croatia within the context of prevailing European stereotypes, particularly in Central Europe.
Keywords
women’s history; history of women’s higher education; University of Zagreb; social history; 19th century and early 20th century
Hrčak ID:
312186
URI
Publication date:
24.12.2023.
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