Women in Post-Revolutionary Russia: The Opportunities and Obstacles :: Russian Russia History

Women in Post-Revolutionary Russia The Opportunities and ObstaclesThe last Tsar of Russia abdicated the throne in February of 1917. With the reduce of the old regime, many a(prenominal) old gender barriers fell, as well. The period later on the Bolsheviks rose to power was a time of many changes for all Russians, besides none were more affected than the women of the time. Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik party (later called the communistics) was greatly disturbed by the domestic enslavement of Soviet women, and almost promptly granted political equality for females throughout the nation. With this saucyfound freedom, women were presented with many new opportunities in all aspects of life, and many challenges, as well. Lenin reformed many genteel and penal codes to the advantage of women. Almost overnight all learning institutions undefendcapable their doors to both sexes, which suddenly gave women the opportunity to strive for professional careers and higher paying(a) jobs . Women were given equal standing in marriage, and it became possible for them to bulge out disjointd, to deliver abortions, and to sue for child support. Women could own property. Within the Communist party, women rose to lead positions. In theory, there was complete equality between the sexes. However, even with the advantages of the Communist leadership, there were some pitfalls, as well. While the increased leniency of divorce laws was obviously an advantage to many unhappy wives, some men do use of the new freedom also. Some women were left to raise their children alone, and without the net of their husbands, found it almost impossible. Although these women now had complete economic independence chthonian the laws of Lenin, in practice all was not as simple. With several childly children to watch over during the day, it was difficult for any mother to be able to engage in any work outside of family life. The realities of these women were shown clearly in Alexandra Kollo ntais novel Love of Worker Bees. based on life in post-revolutionary Russia. When Mr. Feodoseev abandons his wife for another cleaning lady, she is horrified at the thought of trying to get a job while raising three school-aged children. However, in Kollontais novel, she is seen as petty and jealous by certain members of the party, instead of a woman with great financial difficulties. Perhaps this shows a certain blindness that many communist leaders had to the realities of womens everyday lives and circumstances.