Mr. Stuart's first course on astronomy was given, in the autumn of 1867, in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, and was attended together by 550 women. These lectures were followed by other similar courses organised by the Council, and the idea rapidly spread. Let it be distinctly understood that the choice is not between a life wholly given up to study, and a life spent in active domestic duty. The aim of these new colleges will not be directed towards changing the occupations of women, but rather towards securing that whatever they do shall be done well. In her article, Women's Liberty and Man's Fear , written in 1907, Teresa Billington Greig attempted to explain why men tried to deny women equal educational oppo rtu nities.
Man is afraid of women.
He proves it every day. History proves it for him - the history of politics, the history of industry, the history of social life. An examination of women's present position and of men's attitude towards the women's movement shows evidence of fear at every turn. Yes, it is quite true. There is always for him the fear that the end may come, and rebellion carries with it not merely the throwing off the yoke but alongside of it the dread of such vengeful retaliation as corresponds to the oppressor's tyranny.