The history of the education of women from prehistory through the 1960s reveals constant themes. In every period, obstacles reflecting the prevalent social attitudes were placed in the paths of women seeking education. Economic conditions directly affected the status and scope of women's education, although certain disciplines such as religion and letters were consistently considered appropriate. Religion, playing both a positive and negative role, was also closely associated with women's education. Education for the purpose of training good wives and mothers began in ancient Greece. Reading and writing were incorporated into their education in the Christian Era so that women could read the scriptures. Through the Reformation, the main objectives of women's education remained to mold good, pious homemakers. In the 18th century, a shortage of teachers and nurses led to the opening of these fields of education for women. The 20th century has been characterized by a conflict between work and education. During the Depression, women were discouraged from teacher education because of the job shortage. In the 1940s, women left school to help the war effort, returning in large numbers in the 1950s. Recently, women have combined their goals in professional training. A seven-page bibliography is included. (LP)