Gender dynamics in Russia are a curious mix of patriarchy, old-fashioned chivalry, and female empowerment. Women are expected to look and act a certain way; at the same time, they are a significant presence in industries considered male elsewhere.

Eye Candy Women

One of the first things visitors to Russia notice is how attractive the women are. Are the women truly more naturally or genetically attractive in Russia? More likely, what these visitors point out is how women make a visible effort to look attractive within the framework of their culture. That often means wearing what’s considered more feminine clothing, such as heels (туфли на каблуках), dresses (платья), and skirts (юбки) in everyday situations — not just for special occasions. While it is also true for several other countries, what stands out about Russia is how neat some women (strive to) look. Flipflops, yoga pants, and loose buns are considered sloppy and unsuitable for appearing in public.

The flip side of this is the high pressure on women to look “presentable.” Young girls are constantly reminded to smooth out their hair and sit in a lady-like manner. Mothers tell their daughters that no one will marry them if they are fat, poorly dressed, or have acne. It is often assumed that impressing a man with the purpose of marriage and having children is the ultimate goal for every woman. Girls will often be told, “Ты же девочка!” (meaning, “But you’re a girl” or “You’re a girl, after all” – and should act like one). I remember being told by a professor on a college trip to cover the small of my back because I would one day need to get pregnant — and, as you know from my previous post, cold air or ground is believed to cause infertility.

These attitudes can be so pervasive that women themselves will defend them. In many circles of Russian society, women are still widely considered less intellectually endowed, worse drivers, and susceptible to mood swings.

Footing the Bill

At the same time, men are often expected to take care of the women present, regardless of their relationship. Traditionally, a man inviting a woman to a restaurant would pay the bill, regardless of whether this was a date (свидание) or a friendly gettogether (дружеская встреча). It is changing in the recent years but is still considered good form. Moreover, the expectation in the family is often that the husband should be the breadwinner (“добытчик“), even if the wife is working. He is often expected to give his income over to the family budget (as they say in Russian, приносить деньги в семью), where it would be distributed for various family needs.

Moreover, women will normally be exempt from lifting or carrying bags and any sort of domestic work if men are present. This is not a hard-and-fast rule but more of a societal expectation that the man will carry out all physical labor. Males are expected to check on their female companions to make sure they can get in the car, cross the street, get in the door, etc. alright. The notion that the woman is an adult and, therefore, can take care of herself is not used to let women fend for themselves in these situations.

In The Workplace

Although the picture I’ve painted so far tells a story of patriarchy par excellence, women are surprisingly present across many sectors of the Russian workforce. Part of the reason is historical. After many men were killed in World War Two, women took over their jobs in manufacturing and other traditionally male industrial occupations.

Women are still very much present in the Russian workforce now, including industries that are considered male in other countries. For example, most medical doctors (врачи) and many lawyers (адвокаты) are female. You need to keep in mind, however, that these occupations are not as well-paid as in the US. At the same time, there are jobs that are legally off-limits for women because these occupations are deemed too dangerous.

In conclusion, Russia presents an interesting mix of considerable career options for women on the one hand and patriarchy and sexism on the other hand. While women are well-educated and definitely not confined to their homes and families, they still face prejudice and societal pressure to conform to expectations. What has your experience with gender dynamics been like in Russia? What did you like and dislike?