Normal schools in Chile and Argentina (1821-1974). A comparative study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is analyze, from a comparative perspective, the process of creation and expansion of the normal schools in Chile and Argentina, from the early 19th century to the 1970s. Based on the review and analysis of the content of various primary documentary sources, the process is analyzed from three axes: the foreign influences that normalism received at different times, the process of feminization of the teaching profession, and the most important reforms that were implemented. We intend to show that, at different times, contributions were received from the English Lancasterian system, and from the French, American and German models. Secondly, we will point out how, in both countries, the authorities initially thought of forming a male teacher, but soon they had to change the strategy and open more Normal Schools for women. Finally, we will point out in what sense the reforms of the 1940s in Argentina, and then those of 1960 in the two nations, were profound and changed the structure of normalism.