Russia Essay -- European Politics, Bilateral Relations

The change witnessed in modern day society can be traced back to the period of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is in this period that Western Europe achieved rapid economic growth and development. This was through the Agrarian and Industrial revolutions that swept across Europe, mostly Western Europe, causing in its wake rapid development and changing gender roles and lifestyles in general (Collins, 2006). It is also in Western Europe that events such as the French revolution brought about massive changes in society, completely altering the lifestyles of its citizens. However, the change did not end in Western Europe, but spread to other countries of the Eastern bloc, such as Russia. This was mostly through the influence brought about by bilateral relations. The changes thus brought forth cut across all spheres of peoples lifestyles including legal rights, access to education and positions of power, family size, fashion and ways of socialization. The society during this time was male dominated. Men enjoyed positions of power and responsibility and made all the decisions regarding the family. Access to education was also a preserve of the male child. Rights such as those of inheritance and land were allocation bestowed on the male offspring because of the continuity of the family. However, with the changes in the Western society, women started enjoying some of these rights, though initially in minimal ways. In France, the French revolution caused changes in the French educational system (Tuminez, 2000). The French government was committed to creating an educational system that would produce engineers, medical doctors and economists that would help the country achieve economic power. In changing the educational system, the Fren... ...ovell, 2010). Finally, the world continually celebrates women. In western countries, the Valentines Day, which is observed on the 14th day of February, celebrates lovers in a union but places emphasis on the woman as men traditionally buy flowers and gifts to please their women. This day was special even before the 19th century. This must have inspired the International women’s day in Russia, which is marked on the 8th day of March every year. The society values the role of women together with their contributions, in the community. Men buy their women flowers or even send cards to female colleagues and friends to appreciate them. The changes that took place in the West in the 18th and 19th centuries played a key role in influencing women in Russia and their roles in society with regard to fashion, education, religion, family and occupation have greatly changed.