Kamala Kumari

Women and Perestroika Society: a Study of Russian Women in Society and Literature Kamala Kumari

The changes brought about in the cultural sphere of Soviet life during the final years of the USSR were immense. The policies of Gorbabachev brought about a tremendous change in society and its greatest impact was on women. From an all-pervading prescriptive loyalty to be accorded to the fatherland, the Russian arts now had the opportunity to turn to themes of more immediate concern such as the family, and a comfortable standard of living. In addition various sub themes emerged that were long sought to be glossed over by the old authorities through censorship, and other means. Important among these issues were the questions of the sexual revolution, youth culture and women?s rights and status in society. Each of these themes has received considerable attention from writers of the perestroika era. This study examines several issues. Of particular interest in this regard is the issue of double burden. The study assumes importance due to the fact that it is during this period that women suddenly witnessed the beginnings of a gradual decline in their status in Russian society. Where once they held an equal footing with their male counterparts, women began to face open discrimination.