The role of the principal of an Oxford women's college 1879-1925
The aim of the thesis was to analyse the role of the early principals of the women's colleges in the University of Oxford and to determine whether this role underwent significant change during the period 1879-1925. The thesis has sought to make a contribution to women's history through identifying a group of leaders of women's higher education in Oxford whose unique role has not previously been examined. To implement this objective extensive research was undertaken in the archives of the former women's colleges on principals' papers and college documents as well as in the Bodleian Library on the papers of the Women Principals and of the Association for the Higher Education of Women. Analysis of the backgrounds of the 10 principals studied helped in identifying models which inspired the principals and the colleges, where the strongest influences were found to be those of Cambridge women's colleges, the family and Oxford men's colleges. Principles which guided female heads of college, together with approaches employed by them, were examined ; the most effective styles of leadership were thought to be directive, flexible and androgynous. Problems encountered by women principals were studied, those emerging as
Keene, Anne
History
The role of the principal of an Oxford women's college 1879-1925. The aim of the thesis was to analyse the role of the early principals of the women's colleges in the University of Oxford and to determine whether this role underwent significant change during the period 1879-1925. The thesis has sought to make a contribution to women's history through identifying a group of leaders of women's higher education in Oxford whose unique role has not previously been examined. To implement this objective extensive research was undertaken in the archives of the former women's colleges on principals' papers and college documents as well as in the Bodleian Library on the papers of the Women Principals and of the Association for the Higher Education of Women. Analysis of the backgrounds of the 10 principals studied helped in identifying models which inspired the principals and the colleges, where the strongest influences were found to be those of Cambridge women's colleges, the family and Oxford men's colleges. Principles which guided female heads of college, together with approaches employed by them, were examined ; the most effective styles of leadership were thought to be directive, flexible and androgynous. Problems encountered by women principals were studied, those emerging as
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