Pre-19th Century (generally):
* Domestic skills: This was almost universally prioritized, regardless of class. It included cooking, sewing, cleaning, childcare, managing a household, and potentially some basic aspects of food preservation and gardening. This was seen as essential for a woman's role as wife and mother.
* Needlework and fine arts: Embroidery, lace-making, painting (often miniature), music (piano was particularly popular among the upper classes), and drawing were common, often seen as accomplishments to enhance a woman's marriage prospects and social standing. These were not necessarily seen as "practical" but rather as refining skills.
* Religious instruction: Religious education was crucial, emphasizing piety, morality, and obedience. This was particularly strong in the case of women from more conservative backgrounds.
* Limited literacy and numeracy: While some women were literate and numerate, it wasn't consistently prioritized in their education. The extent depended heavily on class; upper-class women might receive some formal instruction in reading and writing, while the education of lower-class women often consisted largely of learning practical skills.
* Social graces: Etiquette, deportment, and manners were emphasized, particularly among the upper classes. This aimed to make women presentable and desirable marriage partners.
19th Century and onwards:
The 19th and 20th centuries saw gradual changes, though access to quality education remained unequal:
* Increased access to formal schooling: While still facing significant barriers, girls began attending schools, albeit often separate from boys and with different curricula.
* Expansion of subject matter: While domestic skills remained important, subjects like history, literature, and some sciences began to be included in women's education, though often presented in a way considered suitable for "feminine minds".
* Teacher training colleges: Opportunities for women to become teachers expanded, leading to further educational possibilities.
* Higher education: Women gradually gained access to universities and colleges, though often facing quotas and restrictions.
* Focus on "suitable" professions: Even as education expanded, careers deemed "appropriate" for women were often limited, such as teaching, nursing, and other caring professions.
21st Century:
* Gender equality in education (ideally): In many parts of the world, girls and women have theoretically equal access to education at all levels. However, significant disparities remain, based on factors like socio-economic status, geographic location, and cultural norms.
* Broad range of subjects: Women now have access to a full range of academic disciplines and professional opportunities.
* Focus on STEM fields: While still underrepresented, there's a growing focus on encouraging women into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
It's crucial to remember that this is a broad overview. The realities of women's education have been and continue to be complex and diverse, shaped by numerous intersecting factors. The experiences of women in different social classes, racial and ethnic groups, and geographical regions varied significantly throughout history and continue to do so today.