David Tamas History 11/13/17 The Russian Revolution and the Emancipation of Women The Russian Revolution brought political, economic, and social change to all aspects of life for both men and women. The policies enacted by the Bolsheviks had profound effects on women, their lives, and their everyday roles. The Bolsheviks legalized divorce and equalized the workforce. However, did the events of the Russian Revolution deliver on its promise of emancipating women? I would argue that this is a yes and no answer. The Russian Revolution gave women the legal grounds to divorce their husbands, live independently, have abortions, and to be part of the labor force and members of the communist party. Russian women were finally given choices and had more freedom than before. Nevertheless, it also brought widespread sexual abuse and harassment of women in the workforce. I believe the Russian Revolution impacted women of various social backgrounds differently. For some women, the Revolution brought positive change, while for some; it brought only pain and hardships. For this paper, I have selected five memoirs from In the Shadow of Revolution that demonstrate how the …show more content…
While life was still tough, and work was hard and demanding, women were working alongside men for a better tomorrow. The Russian Revolution gave Alla purpose in her life and in her work, as it did for many other women. Women were no longer observers in the affairs of their fathers and husbands and no longer had to sit idly by. They could become involved, participate, and contribute to this radical cause. In her own words, Alla ends her account saying “and in that hard, busy, but magnificent and truly meaningful life, women were among the most active