The Gender Equality of Workers in Slovakia During Socialism

Abstract

This paper focuses on the history and evolution of women’s rights, particularly concerning female workers, but also tackles the rise in gender equality. Czechoslovakia became a democratic country in 1918. The approval of the first Czechoslovak constitution was the most significant legislative accomplishment of the newly formed Czechoslovakia. The positive development of a society that began to emphasise democracy and equality was abruptly interrupted by the Second World War and the communist coup in 1948. The workforce changed because of the economic consequences of 1939. The so-called first wage reform caused low-income levels in 1946. The concept of “two breadwinners” began to emerge, implying that many women entered the workforce. Socialist regimes have significantly altered this perspective. The events of February 1948 and subsequent events were significant junctures in Czechoslovakian society. The fact that women were primarily motivated to enter the labour market to escape poverty makes it difficult to interpret the high employment rate of women during the socialist era as entirely positive for gender equality. On the other hand, the totalitarian regime supported women’s participation in the labour market through labour and social law measures that also supported women’s participation in childcare. Legislation on the equal treatment of female workers evolved into its current form following the fall of the dictatorship. However, it has undergone significant modifications because of the requirements for legislative changes that have emerged since Slovakia became a member of the European Union. Through the issue of gender equality among female workers, we illustrate how challenging it is to alter deeply ingrained attitudes and behaviours in society.