Modos de ser mulher: a educação e a representação femininas nas páginas do jornal lavoura e commercio (uberaba, 1899-1930)

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze issues related to the processes of women’s education and representation that were published in the newspaper Lavoura e Comércio, between 1899 and 1930, in the city of Uberaba/MG. In the early decades of the 20th century, Uberaba was the main city in the Triângulo Mineiro. At that time, the city found the economic, social, and cultural developments, driven by the Mojiana Railroad. Over time, the city loses lost its prominence, and its economy turns to agrarian activities, with the importation of zebu cattle from India. The early decades of the 20th century correspond to the period of the First Republic in Brazil, established on November 15, 1889. With the Republic, ideas of progress, modernity, civility, and education were defined as republican ideals, which found echoes in the press. We understand that the press is an important reference for the knowledge of society's customs. Furthermore, we can observe that through it, standards are defined for the various social actors, including women. The women’s history is marked by silencing, whose roles were defined by men, allocating them to the care of the house, husband, and children. Women should be good wives and mothers, because the future of the nation depended on them from the generation and creation of strong men for the Fatherland, speech that found resonance in the newspapers. We believe that education happens through non-formal means. In this way, the various publications, such as articles on childcare and feminism, and advertisements for the latest fashion and beauty products, contribute to the processes of female representation and education.

The objective of this paper is to analyze issues related to the processes of women’s education and representation that were published in the newspaper Lavoura e Comércio, between 1899 and 1930, in the city of Uberaba/MG. In the early decades of the 20th century, Uberaba was the main city in the Triângulo Mineiro. At that time, the city found the economic, social, and cultural developments, driven by the Mojiana Railroad. Over time, the city loses lost its prominence, and its economy turns to agrarian activities, with the importation of zebu cattle from India. The early decades of the 20th century correspond to the period of the First Republic in Brazil, established on November 15, 1889. With the Republic, ideas of progress, modernity, civility, and education were defined as republican ideals, which found echoes in the press. We understand that the press is an important reference for the knowledge of society's customs. Furthermore, we can observe that through it, standards are defined for the various social actors, including women. The women’s history is marked by silencing, whose roles were defined by men, allocating them to the care of the house, husband, and children. Women should be good wives and mothers, because the future of the nation depended on them from the generation and creation of strong men for the Fatherland, speech that found resonance in the newspapers. We believe that education happens through non-formal means. In this way, the various publications, such as articles on childcare and feminism, and advertisements for the latest fashion and beauty products, contribute to the processes of female representation and education.