Neoliberalism and its impact on women's higher education and labour market in Russia

In Soviet Russia, gender equality was enshrined in the constitution and state's ideology. The Soviet policies did not discriminate women based on gender particularly in the higher education and labour market sector. The disintegration, however, resulted in the significant transformation of Russia that changed its socio-economic structure. The neoliberal transformation presented contemporary Russia with a new set of gender issues. It resulted in the abrupt churning of social classes and groups wherein those respected in Soviet times were devalued and downshifted. Poverty, stress, social tension, lack of quality employment and insecurity became the key issues principally associated with Russian women in the ongoing neoliberal transformation. Patriarchy and gender discrimination have come to the fore in the process of transition. Higher education and labour market are the areas where gender discrimination and inequality are reflected in various ways. There is a significant increase in highly educated women having to face discrimination in the labour market. Often women's educational qualification does not necessarily guarantee them a success in the labour market. Further, gender asymmetry in state policies has impacted the Russian women in their occupational mobility. It is in this context; the study will explore the intersection between higher education and the labour market and its impact on women as Russia transitioned to neoliberalism.