Final answer:
Stalin's totalitarian rule had a significant impact on women in the Soviet Union. Women were expected to take on new roles in society and the economy but were rarely given positions of power. Propaganda emphasized gender equality but also highlighted women's reliance on Stalin for their newfound rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stalin's totalitarian rule had a significant impact on women in the Soviet Union. Soviet ideology demanded that women play new roles in society and the economy, leading to millions of women taking on industrial or agricultural jobs outside the home. However, women were rarely given positions of power and were expected to fulfill both work and domestic responsibilities, highlighting the disparity between female and male work.
In addition, posters and propaganda emphasized gender equality and the independence of women. However, these messages also served to remind women that their newfound equality was owed to Stalin and the party. Women were depicted as holding positions of power, but it was clear that their existence and authority relied on Stalin's support.
Furthermore, during World War II, women played a crucial role in the workforce and the military. They constituted 55% of the total workforce and served in frontline combat positions as medical workers and snipers. The war also elevated the importance of motherhood, leading to the creation of incentives for having two or more children.