Authors

Iuliia Ostrovskaia¹;  ¹ RAS, Russian Federation

Discussion

We examine the sphere of labor relations in contemporary Russian society as an example of the gap between proclaimed democratic values and the actual structure of the “political” sphere, or the conflict between the “ideal” and the “real.” This analysis is closely connected with another issue—the institutionalization of gender equality, which involves the formation of an institutional environment and order, as well as the development of rules and the establishment of organizational structures.

The structures of dominance present in the labor sphere imply the possibility of violence in various forms, including gender-based violence. Developing and implementing specific rules and creating organizational frameworks to prevent violence, including gender-based violence, establishes an institutional environment that also fosters the institutionalization of gender equality. In this context, it is of particular interest to trace the evolution of approaches to ensuring gender equality in the workplace and to analyze the directions where promising practices are emerging to overcome relations of dominance and violence, particularly in the realm of legal and political opposition to gender inequality and discrimination.

In a transitional model of gender institutionalization, this shift in approach is aimed at addressing the issue of equal rights and opportunities for all workers. However, given the inherent gender asymmetry in power relations between men and women, this shift has practical significance for eradicating discriminatory practices in the workplace.

Discrimination against women in the economic sphere—especially in employment—remains widespread. Unequal treatment of women poses a serious obstacle for those intending to work or start their own businesses; such limitations can weaken their bargaining position even within the family. Thus, the family represents one of the most important institutions, where men and women are socialized according to specific roles and behavioral norms,  as a central point from which dominance over human relationships originates, and where the potential for violence against the individual exists.

Public opinion polls show that respondents rate family as the highest value within their value system. Family ranks among the three most important values for Russia’s future, along with law and justice.

In 2002 77% of respondents believed that all important decisions in a modern family should be made jointly, and only 8% felt that there should be a “sole head” of the family. By 2022, the proportion of respondents who believed that “the family should have a head who makes all decisions affecting family members” had tripled.

This distribution of responses illustrates the incomplete process of institutionalizing the shift from a traditional to a modern gender order.