Russia, Iceland, and the 21st Century: Male Dominance, Gender, and Politics

In the 21st century, the issue of gender equality remains a pressing concern worldwide. While some countries have made significant progress towards achieving gender parity, others continue to struggle with persistent gender disparities. Russia and Iceland represent two contrasting examples of countries' approaches to gender equality, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between history, culture, and politics in shaping gender relations.

The Gender of Informal Politics: Russia, Iceland and Twenty-First Century Male Dominance (Gender and Politics)

by Janet Elise Johnson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Library Binding	:	224 pages
Reading age	:	14 - 17 years
Grade level	:	10 - 12
Item Weight	:	19.38 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.37 x 0.8 x 11.47 inches
Hardcover	:	283 pages
File size	:	944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages

FREE

Russia: A Legacy of Male Dominance

Russia has a long history of male dominance, deeply rooted in its cultural and political traditions. The patriarchal values of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has played a significant role in shaping Russian society, have reinforced the notion of male superiority and female subservience.

During the Soviet era, the government promoted gender equality as a socialist ideal, but this was often more rhetorical than real. Women were expected to work outside the home, but they were also primarily responsible for household chores and childcare. The lack of affordable childcare and support for working mothers made it difficult for women to fully participate in the workforce.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a backlash against gender equality. Conservative forces sought to restore traditional gender roles, arguing that women's primary role was in the home. This backlash was reflected in a series of laws and policies that limited women's access to reproductive healthcare, employment, and political participation.

Iceland: A Global Leader in Gender Equality

In contrast to Russia, Iceland has emerged as a global leader in gender equality. The country has consistently ranked first in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index for over a decade. This success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong feminist movement, progressive government policies, and a supportive cultural environment.

Iceland's feminist movement has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. Women in Iceland fought for and won the right to vote in 1915, and they have continued to advocate for gender equality ever since.

The Icelandic government has also played a crucial role in promoting gender equality. In 1980, Iceland passed the Gender Equality Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in all areas of life. The government has also implemented a range of policies to support working mothers, including affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and flexible work arrangements.

Icelandic culture also plays a role in fostering gender equality. Icelanders are generally more egalitarian than Russians, and there is less stigma associated with women working outside the home or pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Implications for Women's Rights and the Future of Gender Equality

The contrasting cases of Russia and Iceland provide valuable lessons about the factors that contribute to gender equality. Iceland's success demonstrates that it is possible to achieve significant progress towards gender parity. Its progressive policies, supportive cultural environment, and strong feminist movement have created a society where women have equal opportunities to succeed in all areas of life.

Russia's experience, on the other hand, highlights the challenges that persist in achieving gender equality. The country's patriarchal culture, conservative government policies, and lack of support for working mothers have created barriers to women's full participation in society.

The future of gender equality in the 21st century depends on our ability to address the root causes of gender inequality. This means challenging patriarchal values, promoting progressive policies, and creating supportive cultural environments where women can thrive. Russia and Iceland offer contrasting models of how to approach this challenge. Iceland's success provides a roadmap for how to achieve gender equality, while Russia's experience serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain.

The Gender of Informal Politics: Russia, Iceland and Twenty-First Century Male Dominance (Gender and Politics)

by Janet Elise Johnson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Library Binding	:	224 pages
Reading age	:	14 - 17 years
Grade level	:	10 - 12
Item Weight	:	19.38 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.37 x 0.8 x 11.47 inches
Hardcover	:	283 pages
File size	:	944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	210 pages

FREE