The Role of Woman in Modern Azerbaijani Family Summary

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to reveal the role of women in the modern Azerbaijani family and to note the patterns of changing gender roles in the family and marriage.

Research methodology. In the course of the research the methods of analysis and synthesis were used; the method of generalization was used during the comprehension of the achievements of scholars in solving the outlined problems; the historical method was used for tracing the formation of the family institution in Azerbaijan; the descriptive method was used for revealing the current situation in society; the secondary analysis of sociological research was used for identification patterns in the change of gender roles in the family and marriage, in particular the separation of marriage and parenthood.

Results. Under the influence of modern trends, Azerbaijani family is undergoing major changes, the consequences of which are important both for family in particular and society in general. The social problems caused by decrease in birth rate and increase of number of the persons refusing marriage and a family are described. Patriarchal tendencies continue to dominate the mass consciousness, and models of gender behavior that are considered as discriminatory towards women are still relevant in Azerbaijan. The gender-role behavior of children brought up in a family reflects the asymmetry of male and female roles, and the regulation of this behavioral sphere is carried out by parents through a system of prohibitions and punishments. The family is a center of the gender relations formation, through it the ideas of masculinity and femininity, gender stereotypes and norms that determine the behavior of men and women in society are transmitted to next generations.

Today, Azerbaijani society is more open to women’s self-affirmation. In this context, the role of the mother in preserving ethnic identity and the married role in preserving family traditions are very important. The research considered the image of the mother in the ethnic identity of Azerbaijanis, explored the process of raising a woman as a future mother (traditions, rituals, rituals), identified the role of a woman in wedding ceremonies. Talks about women’s independence and freedom have affected the world for centuries, but centuries-old stereotypes of dependence ingrained in women’s minds have prevented them from escaping their nature, that is dependence on men, their attitudes and participation.

Novelty. Today, the social mobility of Azerbaijani women has undergone many changes, which has affected the formed cultural attitudes and stereotypes, but certain expectations in the relationship between men and women still exist. It is in women’s roles and stereotypes that ethnic mentality manifests itself, and it is with their development and change that will address many ethnic issues. Within the study, the directions of solving the outlined problem in the Azerbaijani society are outlined.

Practical importance. The results of the research can be useful in further research of the family institute and in the educational process of higher education institutions that train specialists in the humanities.

Key words: traditions and modernity, Azerbaijani family, transformation of values, creativity and self-affirmation of women, gender balance, ethnic characteristics of relationships.