Meaning: The quote from Jeffrey Bernard, a well-known British journalist, expresses his frustration with the idea of young women attending university simply as a way to pass the time before getting married. It reflects a view of education as a frivolous pursuit for some individuals, rather than a valuable and worthwhile endeavor.

In the quote, Bernard appears to be critical of the attitudes of some young women who see attending prestigious universities like Oxford as a mere diversion before settling into traditional roles as wives and homemakers. His frustration is compounded by the fact that as a taxpayer, he feels that he is financially supporting these individuals' education through his contributions to income tax.

This sentiment is reflective of a broader societal attitude that was prevalent during the time when Bernard made this statement, and which continues to persist in some circles today. It speaks to the ongoing tension between traditional gender roles and the pursuit of higher education and career opportunities for women.

During the time period in which Bernard was writing, it was not uncommon for women to be expected to prioritize marriage and family over personal and professional development. The idea that attending university was merely a way to bide time until marriage was a reflection of these societal expectations.

Bernard's frustration with having to financially support what he perceived as a lackadaisical approach to education is also indicative of a broader concern about the allocation of public resources. His comment raises questions about the perceived value of higher education and who should have access to it.

The quote also highlights the disparity in opportunities and attitudes toward education between genders. While some women may have seen university as a temporary diversion, for many others, it represented a hard-fought and hard-won opportunity to pursue academic and professional goals outside the confines of traditional gender roles.

In contemporary society, the sentiment expressed in Bernard's quote may still resonate with some individuals who hold traditional views about gender roles and education. However, it also serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in expanding access to higher education and challenging gender-based stereotypes and expectations.

In conclusion, Jeffrey Bernard's quote reflects a specific cultural and historical perspective on the intersection of gender, education, and societal expectations. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to ensure equal access to education and to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations.