The Effect of Gender and Age Qualifications on the Status of Russian Peasant Women in the XIX–XX Centuries

In: Obščestvo: filosofija, istorija, kulʹtura = Society : philosophy, history, culture, Heft 8, S. 192-199

Abstract

In this article the position of a woman in a peasant family and her social status is analyzed. The influence of gender and age on the place of peasant women in society is considered. The following factors that influence attitudes towards women are studied: the welfare of her family and the size of her dowry, her husband's place in the patriarchal environment (heir, younger son, etc.), and a woman's personal qualities (her skills, abilities, character, upbringing, literacy level, etc.). It is pointed out that the subordinate position of women was fixed not only by the patriarchal nature of society and its mentality, but also by legal acts. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that the social processes taking place in Russia at the turn of the XIX–XX centuries contributed to the gradual emancipation of women and strengthening of their role in society.