Final answer:
Saint Hilda of Whitby advocated for the importance of education for both boys and girls during seventh-century England, reflecting a progressive stance for that period. Education was seen as essential, and figures like Saint Hilda played significant roles as intercessors in the religious community. Educational practices varied across cultures and historical periods, often mirroring the values and objectives of their times.
Step-by-step explanation:
In seventh-century England, Saint Hilda of Whitby wanted people to know that education for both boys and girls was very important. At a time when educational opportunities were often reserved primarily for males, Saint Hilda emphasized the importance of education for females as well, focusing on skills that extended beyond merely maintaining religious knowledge to attract husbands. This approach was notably different from later periods, such as during the industrialization in Boston where women's education included strict rules to maintain their virtue, or the gendered education systems employed by the Nazis.
Education in historical contexts often reflected the societal and cultural values of the time. In Puritan society, education was deemed essential for understanding Christianity, which led to the establishment of institutions like Harvard University. Furthermore, the Old Deluder Satan Law emphasized the communal responsibility to ensure education to combat ignorance. Unlike most forms of contemporary Christianity, medieval Christians looked up to saints like Saint Hilda, who were seen as more relatable advocates between humanity and the divine.