Postmodern identity: gender dimension

Abstract

The paper analyzes the causes, peculiarities and consequences of the traditional gender order transformation. It is argued the powerful shift of the cultural paradigm is in progress nowadays, the gender order and gender identity transformations being one of its aspects. The author states that transformation of the traditional (patriarchal) gender order makes a significant impact on the social life and self-identification of modern human. Rejection of universalism, "acknowledgement of the other," and breakaway from the concept of masculine character of culture are claimed the philosophical basis of the traditional gender order transformation. The most significant consequence of this social revolution is the gradual leveling of the gender roles of men and women. The author insists that elaboration of some novel policy of gender interaction is due on the agenda and that the most optimal and tolerant strategy should be the one aimed at the achievement of the gender parity. And the study demonstrates the urgency for equal and tolerant gender dialogue. It has been established that the postmodern "deconstruction" of gender relations comprises the transition to the give-and-take model of gender interactions, where men and women stand as equal partners. However, it should be mentioned that there are extreme forms of struggle for the rights of women within the feminist movement as well as organizations exists which defend the rigid patriarchal social structure; both are counterproductive in the current social climate, promoting disharmony in relations between the sexes. Analyzing the problem of gender relations in the Ukraine, the author educes that Ukrainian society is still largely patriarchal, as evidenced by the dominance of a patriarchal culture and patriarchal attitudes and values.