Impact of Education Level of Women in Russia on the Position of Women in Society (historical summary)

Abstract

Purpose: Since the 18th century, discrimination against women was part of official government policy in higher education institutions within Russia, as across the world until the beginning of the twentieth century. For many years, only men had the advantage of attending higher education. Thus, it can be said that women of lower socio-economic status had barely any rights in Czarist Russia. They had no right to divorce and extremely limited rights to own private property. Design/Methodology/Approach: Only women who were at least of median socio-economic level could consider leaving their husband. Effects of both the industrial revolution in the western world and the labour movement within Russia during the 19th century along with a number of socio-economic changes within society, led to a system of values which ultimately allowed women to participate in educational life. Findings: As it observed in most societies, a long period of awakening and raising awareness is required in order to ensure the desired level of equality of opportunity between genders in both education and work areas, as well as in other areas of society in Russia too. Highlights: When it comes to the historical process in Russia's women's education, it can be said that the path taken in the field of women's education, considering the changes in the political, socio-economic and value system is practical and beneficial.