PATTERNS OF WORKERS’ EDUCATION

 

STUDENTS IN COMMUNITIES DISCOURAGING TO ACTIVITY AND COMPARABLE
TO DOWNTON

The task of the School and of alumnae is even greater in localities which
discourage the type of activity which the institution stimulates. A group of
New England communities, a Mid-Western city, and an Atlantic Seaboard
town were studied in order to analyze what former students are accomplishing
in a negative environment. In these localities, the Y.W.C.A. usually has been
the most encouraging organization; the Alumnae Association has been an
additional outlet for the returning women. Trade unions are weak.

Thirty-two of some 52 women under consideration indicated that they be-
longed to the Y.W.C.A. before they went to the School. Twelve as alumnae
dropped their affiliation; 11 had been leaders and one had been a member.
Although the total number of women who belong to miscellaneous groups
has remained the same, many have progressed to outstanding positions.
Only 25 former students have joined the Alumnae Association. The most
marked change has been the increase in trade union affiliation, but the figures
of themselves are not very startling, only five more women having joined after
their return from the School. However, 13 of 18 organized workers are lead-
ers; before they attended the School only half of 13 trade unionists were out-
standing participants. Eighty-five activities in all were reported for the 52
women; 67 were leadership positions.

The significance of certain activities is more psychological than statistical.
Reports from one city reveal how difficult mere trade union membership is.
In this community, few people, including workers, have faith in trade union
leadership or accomplishments; the prevailing philosophy is individualistic.
Those who are interested in labor organizations are handicapped by lack of
labor solidarity not only within the city as a whole, but also within shops and
families and among nationalities. Before 1935, when four women from the
town attended the School, trade unionism was non-existent. Before they
attended the Summer Session, these women centered their activities in the
Y.W.C.A. The narrow range of their activities influenced their education at
the School. Only two met with some success; none was recommended for a
second year. The community prognosis was that while these persons lacked
individual initiative, they might work well with leadership.

Any enthusiasm which these alumnae had was discouraged upon their
return from the School. Even the Industrial Club of the Y.W.C.A. was not

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