Examines the reasons behind the expansion of congregational primary education before the educational push of the Third Republic in the diocese of Lyon (France). Argues that the popularity of Catholic-sponsored schooling in Lyon depended on the conjuncture of religious philanthropy and cost effectiveness. (CMK)

Reviews the major phases of development of the relationship between French private education and the state from the early 1950s when private schools (mostly Catholic) began receiving state subsidies. Concludes that the framework of subsidies has enabled Catholic schools to elaborate new social roles as well as to strengthen their traditional place…