The Social Composition of Medical Students at the Erzsébet University Between 1930 and 1945

Abstract

The purpose of the study. To examine the social composition of medical students of the Erzsébet University of Pécs (ETE) between 1930 and 1945 based on statistics about religion, place of birth and father/guardian occupation. To present the external processes affecting the admission of students based on the minutes of the university governing body. To present some typical individual careers of students of the examined period. Applied methods. Statistical analysis of student enrolment and diploma books. Analysis of major processes using the minutes of the medical faculty and university council meetings and literature. Presenting and categorising careers using all available archival and library data. Outcomes. Compared to the previous decade and a half, the number of medical students at ETE decreased for demographic and political reasons. The religious composition of the students changed due to measures restricting Jewish students’ university admission, and disenfranchising them. The careers examined also demonstrate how affected students tried to circumvent these measures.