Nineteenth Century. Hopes and Failures of Modernity in Education. Situation of Spain

Modernity begins in the fifteenth century and it consolidates in the nineteenth with very specific characteristics. This period is characterized by the use of reason as a priority element in the organization of the various social institutions. Also, some important liberal currents appeared. The modernization process had many difficulties to consolidate in the Spanish schools throughout the nineteenth century. This article aims to show some of the difficulties: low investment, poor educational facilities, many illiterate people, a negative consideration of the teacher ... The investigation shows the school in a broader context: historical, social and cultural. Many times the school has been presented as an isolated institution, separated from what happens outside the classroom. It also aims to interpret the school from the most significant social and cultural elements. This vision will give new perspectives to understand the education of the nineteenth century. Some relevant elites and broad sectors of society valued modernity and liberal currents negatively; this negative point of view was due to modern and liberal contributions to transform schools.