To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 2 and 3

In chapters 2 and 3, I became more aware of the time period. It seems as though in the 1930's, people were much, much less accepting. One example of this is Miss Caroline. From the start, she discriminates Scout because of her advanced education and reading skills. Though this seems as though it should be the other way around, Miss Caroline treated it like a crime. Adding to this, Miss Caroline could not understand the fact that Walter Cunningham had no money to pay her back if she bought his lunch. She is not an understanding person and is quite prejudice. Calpurina plays a large role is Scouts life that I had not noticed before. When Scout was being rude to Walter, Calpurina calls her in and teaches her not to say such rude things. Calpurina is like a mother or gaurdian to the kids. My question is, are most people in the 1930's as ignorant and prejudice as Miss Caroline?