Women in Russia and Ukraine

This book by leading western specialists and Russian and Ukrainian feminists contains the latest research in the field of Russian women's studies.

Rosalind Marsh (Edited by)

9780521498722, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 March 1996

372 pages, 6 b/w illus. 8 tables
22.8 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.634 kg

'… this excellent collection of articles, deftly edited by Rosalind Marsh, is highly recommended reading … the workd is refreshingly orginial, lucid and expository … The need for this book on the shelves of all Slavists is manifest.' Christine D. Tomei, Harriman Institute

In this book, leading western specialists and Russian and Ukrainian feminists examine how gender has shaped Russian and Ukrainian history from the twelfth century to the present. In particular, they analyse the current backlash against women's emancipation. Using new archival materials and the insights of feminist theory, the contributors explore the relevance of gender equality and difference in Russian history. They find that women have not merely submitted to the patriarchal system, but instead have found creative ways of resisting it. Chapters focusing on contemporary Russia discuss abortion, pornography, sexual minorities, young women's lifestyles, the impact of economic reform on women and the development of the women's movement. This book will be of interest to students and specialists in Russian, Ukrainian and women's studies, as well as to historians, political scientists, sociologists and economists.

1. Introduction: women's studies and women's issues in Russia, Ukraine and the postSoviet states Rosalind Marsh
Part I. Women in History: From the Seventeenth to the Twentieth-Century: 2. Peter the Great's two weddings: changing images of women in a transitional age Lindsey Hughes
3. Women in a warrior society: Don Cossack women 1860–1914 Shane O'Rourke
4. Teacups and coffins: the culture of Russian merchant women, 1850–1917 Catriona Kelly
5. Vera Figner and revolutionary autobiographies: the influence of gender on genre Hilde Hoogenboom
6. Equality and difference in women's history: where does Russia fit in? Linda Edmondson
Part II. Women in the USSR and Post-Soviet Russia: Sexuality, Identity, Health and Reproduction: 7. Managing the female organism: doctors and the medicalization of women's paid work in Soviet Russia during the 1920s Janet Hyer
8. Innocence and sexuality in Soviet medical discourse Susan Gross Solomon
9. Abortion and women's health in Russia and the former Soviet Union Christopher Williams
10. The status of gays and lesbians in Russian-Soviet-Russian society James Riordan
11. Young women and subcultural lifestyles: a case of 'irrational needs'? Hilary Pilkington
12. 'Fullfrontal': perestroika and sexual politics Elena Stishova
Part III. Women and Work: 13. Why be a shock worker or a Stakhanovite? Mary Buckley
14. Industrial working conditions and the political economy of female labour Donald Filtzer
15. 'Generals without armies, commanders without troops': Gorbachev's 'protection' of female workers Melanie Ilic
16. The return of the family farm: a future for women? Sue Bridger
17. The post-Soviet woman in the move to the market: a return to domesticity and dependence Lynne Attwood
Part IV. Feminism and Politics in Russia and Ukraine: 18. The 'woman question' and problems of maternity in post-communist Russia Elena Sargent
19. The Russian women's movement Rosalind March and Anastasiia Posadskaia
20. Feminism and post-communist Ukrainian society Solomea Pavlychko
21. Christian virgin or pagan goddess: feminism versus the eternally feminine in Ukraine Marian J. Rubchak.

Subject Areas: Gender studies: women [JFSJ1]