A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy
Interview with Julia Ioffe about her book Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy. Explores Russia’s unique historical trajectory for women, from the radical pre-Bolshevik intelligentsia to early legalisation of abortion. Explains how post-WWII demographics and Stalinist policies shaped a hyper-competent superwoman archetype, yet created a society with low expectations for men. Delves into how these ingrained gender roles – including the ritual of giving flowers – contribute to contemporary Russian authoritarianism and nationalism.
You will enjoy this all the more with the context that Tyler Cowen is married to a woman from Russia. See also The Brian Lehrer Show episode.