“New Woman – A Caring Mother, Wife and Housewife and Much More – Employed, Educated and Politically Active.”

Vida Tomšič and the Woman Question

Abstract

The article deals with Vida Tomšič and her struggle for gender equality, which became synonymous with “the woman question”. The Communists derived the latter from Marxist theory, according to which full economic independence of women would automatically result in their equality. The woman question was included in the working class revolutionary program, thus distancing it from feminism. Although socialism in Slovenia yielded more social rights, it placed new burdens on women’s shoulders. In addition to being a mother, wife and housewife, the new proclaimed role was that of an educated, employed and politically active woman. The article is based on an analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary sources and presents the work and mentality of one of the most influential female politicians in the former socialist system.