More importantly, the contests were open to all, and the enforced anonymity of each submission guaranteed that neither gender nor social rank would determine the judging. Indeed, although the "vast majority" of participants belonged to the wealthier strata of society ("the liberal arts, the clergy, the judiciary, and the medical profession"), there were some cases of the popular classes submitting essays, and even winning. Similarly, a significant number of women participated – and won – the competitions. Of a total of 2300 prize competitions offered in France, women won 49 – perhaps a small number by modern standards, but very significant in an age in which most women did not have any academic training. Indeed, the majority of the winning entries were for poetry competitions, a genre commonly stressed in women's education. COUNT 5
QSN1 What enforced contest rule guaranteed that neither gender nor social rank would determine the judging? ANS1 anonymity QSN2 Were the vast majority of contest participants from the wealthier strata of society or the popular classes? ANS2 wealthier strata of society QSN3 Women's education common stressed which literary genre? ANS3 poetry QSN4 How many prize competitions did women win out of the 2300 in France? ANS4 49 QSN5 What literary genre were the majority of female winning contest entries? ANS5 poetry