Political inequality between men and women in the history of Russian socio-political thought (M. I. Mikhailov, S. N. Yuzhakov, L.I. Petrazhitsky, and M.M. Kovalevsky)

Abstract

The peculiarities of the historical and cultural development of Russian society have influenced the understanding of various issues within the social sciences, including gender inequality. The article shows that, during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, the problem of inequality between men and women in the political sphere was prominently addressed in Russian socio-political thought. This issue is revealed through the works of publicists, historians, sociologists, philosophers, economists, legal scholars, and political figures, notably Mikhail I. Mikhailov, Sergey N. Yuzhakov, Lev I. Petrazhitsky (Polish: Leon Petrażycki), and Maksim M. Kovalevsky. According to the author, despite the diverse perspectives of these thinkers in resolving the problem, their ideas contributed to the emergence of feminist theory and feminism as a social phenomenon in Russia. Additionally, they laid down the groundwork providing an opportunity for practical solutions, including at the highest level of the state. Based on the conducted research, it is concluded that the trajectory of development of Russian social thought, shaped formed in challenging conditions, differed from the European path, having several specific features. The nuances in framing the problem of inequality in the political sphere, overcoming the dependent status of women, and ensuring their rights in Russia are reflected in the works of these intellectuals. The study can be regarded as an attempt to develop and deepen courses on the history of Russian sociology and political science, providing insights into the formation of the feminist discourse in Russian socio-political thought.

Keywords

• feminism
• political inequality between men and women
• mikhail i. mikhailov
• sergey n. yuzhakov
• lev i. petrazhitsky
• maksim m. kovalevsky