Theoretical, empirical and political aspects of gender studies in Russia

Abstract

The article provides a brief analysis of the current state of gender studies (GS) in Russia. The process of formation of gender theory in the West and in Russia is described. It is noted that GS has become a recognized part of the social and humanitarian knowledge in our country. However, the analysis of publications on GS shows that their quantitative growth mainly occurs at the expense of quality. As a result, conceptual, methodological and terminological chaos reigns in publications on gender issues. It is also noticeable that there are the thematic limitations of research and the use of a biodeterministic approach in them under the guise of gender. The author considers the main reasons for that to be the lack of an academic standard; the specifics of the Russian mentality and the poor development of gender education in universities. In conclusion, it is noted that gender equality is a powerful economic and spiritual resource for the sustainable development of society. Its implementation is impossible without studying all aspects of society on the basis of gender theory.