Bulgarian Partisan Women Fighting Patriarchal Norms (1941–1944)

Българските партизанки в сблъсък с патриархалните нрави (1941–1944)

Исторически преглед, 80 (2024) No. 4, pp. 98-125 (ISSN 0323-9748)
DOI:

Vladimir Stanev / Владимир Станев

Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of History

Abstract: Between 1941 and 1944, a partisan movement developed in Bulgaria, spearheaded by the Bulgarian Workers‘ Party and largely dominated by communists. Evaluations of this movement vary widely, from highly positive to entirely negative, depending on political perspectives. Despite the movement‘s aims and methods, it is important to note the participation of many women partisans. These women faced deeply rooted stereotypes within Bulgarian society, including among their comrades. Their struggle against these stereotypes marked a crucial phase in the long process of women‘s fight for equality in Bulgaria. In some instances, however, the women themselves, either consciously or unconsciously, reinforced existing clichés.

Keywords: partisan women, feminism, patriarchal customs, stereotypes.

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