When men decided women could be educated - this is what I think - they educated them on the male plan; they put them into schools with mottoes and school songs and muddy team games, they made them were collars and ties. It was a way to concede the right to learning, yet remain safe; the products of the system would always be inferior to the original model. Women were forced to imitate men, and bound not to succeed at it.
In "An Experiment in Love," Hilary Mantel explores the limited educational opportunities afforded to women through a male-centric system. When society allowed women access to education, the curriculum was designed to mirror male experiences and values. Schools imposed masculine norms, from uniforms to competitive sports, reinforcing the idea that women had to conform to a male blueprint. This approach perpetuated the belief that women could never truly equal men, keeping them in a subordinate position even within educational settings.
By emphasizing imitation rather than fostering individuality, the educational system denied women the chance to discover their potential. Mantel suggests that this was a strategic concession from men, allowing women to gain knowledge while ensuring they remained inferior. Ultimately, she critiques the patriarchal structures that limit women’s success and highlights the need for a more inclusive and egalitarian approach to education, where women's voices and experiences are equally valued.
