Since its founding at the end of the 19th century, the Institución Libre de Enseñanza has been one of the most studied and analyzed institutions. His modern and progressive pedagogical reform continues to be, even today, a key element to understand the history of education in contemporary times. However, there are few works that have gone into depth, partly due to lack of interest and partly due to difficulty in accessing sources, in the analysis of the essential role of this eminent institution in promoting the education of Spanish women from its beginnings. beginnings until the Civil War.
This deep and detailed study delves into this history, from the perspective of gender, analyzing the transcendental role played by the so-called Residencia de Señoritas, dependent on the Residencia de Estudiantes of Madrid. Its history, signed by women who wanted to break the sign that their time imposed on them, should help us today to better understand the future future of our education.