Upowszechnianie wiedzy i nauki w polskich stowarzyszeniach kobiecych

Abstract

Basing on her own research, the author discusses the eductional aims of the Polish Women’s League and Rural Housewives' Circle, the types of activity practised by these associations and certain effects of that activity. In answer to the aspirations and interests of women the associations organized people’s universities, counselling services and home management centres. The women’s associations not only disseminated knowledge appropriate to the members’ interests, but also carried out their own creative activities in the field of science. For example, investigations and analyses concerning the functioning of law in the family circle and in the position of women as citizens were carried out, as were studies from the field of social politics and living conditions of the population. The results of the research and investigations formed the basis for scientific discussions at meetings and conferences of a scientific or popular-scientific character. The dissemination of knowledge in women’s associations provides ap answer to the awakening of interests of an intellectual and outlook-forming tendency as well as the growth in public activities. The dissemination of a scientific spirit, on the other hand, finds its expression in women’s association members’ own research activity.