Robert Owen had a big impact on reforming children’s education in New Lanark during the 19th century. His values and beliefs impacted the way that the children saw education. This essay will discuss that Robert Owen believed that the main objective for education was to let the children enjoy themselves while learning at the same time and that having a proper education with no harsh punishments, was vital to the children’s development. It will also discuss how he gave an opportunity for children in New Lanark to have an education without interfering with their financial circumstances.
Initially, Robert Owen believed that the main objective for education was to let the children enjoy themselves while learning at the same time. He believed that
…show more content…
School fees were only 3d (pence) per child every month, which was hardly enough money to buy supplies such as ink, paper and books for the children at that time. Robert Owen was still determined to give these children an education, even though he could have used all his money on these children’s education. He was not interested in owning a successful business, or earn a lot of money, he just wanted to give the children what he thought was right. An essay that Robert Owen wrote about New Lanark called ‘A New View of Society, stated that ‘the children were taught without expense to their parents. They may therefore be taught and well-trained before they engage in any regular employment.’ This school fee did not affect the children and their family’s financial circumstances as the average wage for a child under 18, was 1 shilling and 6 pence (18 pence) per week. This allowed them to still have a decent amount of money left over to help support their family. Moreover, Robert Owen allowed the children in New Lanark to have an education without interfering with their financial