A educação feminina nos séculos XVIII e XIX: intenções dos bispos para o Recolhimento Nossa Senhora de Macaúbas

Abstract

This dissertation is a study about female education at the Recolhimento Nossa Senhora de Macaúbas (Reclusion House) in the 18th and 19th centuries. From a descriptive perspective, the educational proposals (plans, prescriptions and intentions) of two bishops - D. Frei Manuel da Cruz (1745-1764) and D. Viçoso (1843-1875) - are analysed. D. Frei Manuel da Cruz, the first bishop of Mariana, manifested the intention to change the religious women from Recolhimento into teachers. Bishop D. Viçoso who wanted to reform the cleric and peoples behaviour, reformed the Religious Community and founded a School inside the Reclusion House. The aim of this research is to understand the educational characteristics of the Institution through what the bishops prescribed as female education. The research brings out new primary sources and revises the situation of Macaubas Convent in the historiography of education. It brings out elements to better comprehend this educational place for daughters from rich families and what kind of formation they should receive there. Finally, this work shows a favourable point of view for feminine education in the 18th century, before the process of official schooling for women and the feminization of teaching in the 19th century.