Satire on Education Act
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Satire on Education Act
WHO SHALL EDUCATE? OR, OUR BABES IN THE WOOD The church battles against dissent for rights over education, while children themselves are ignored Date: 1853
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Media ID 14289781
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1853 Babes Battles Educate Satire Satires Dissent Rights
Who Shall Educate? Or, Our Babes in the Wood
EDITORS COMMENTS
: A Satirical Take on the Education Act of 1853 and the Church's Battle for Control over Education This satirical print, titled "Who Shall Educate? Or, Our Babes in the Wood," was published in 1853, during a contentious period in British educational history. The image, which depicts a chaotic scene in a forest with various figures representing different factions vying for control over education, offers a biting commentary on the Education Act of 1853 and the role of the church in shaping educational policy. At the center of the image, a group of children, symbolizing the future of the nation, are left in a state of confusion and neglect amidst the chaos. The church, represented by a bishop, is shown attempting to suppress dissent and assert its dominance over education, while other figures, including a schoolmaster, a factory owner, and a politician, jostle for position. The title of the print, "Our Babes in the Wood," is a reference to the traditional English folk tale of the same name, in which a group of children are left in the care of a wicked man who intends to harm them. The use of this title serves to underscore the sense of vulnerability and abandonment felt by the children in the image, who are being failed by the very institutions that are supposed to protect and educate them. The Education Act of 1853, which aimed to provide mandatory, secular education for all children between the ages of 5 and 13, was a significant moment in the history of British education. However, it was also a time of great controversy, with the church and various other interest groups opposing the act and advocating for religious instruction in schools. This satirical print offers a humorous yet poignant critique of the political and social dynamics at play during this period, highlighting the need for a more equitable and effective educational system for all children.
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