Women and the Family

What was the SED’s official stance on gender equality?

The GDR claimed women had achieved full equality under socialism.

What was the 1949 constitution’s promise to women?

Equal rights in education, employment, and pay.

What was the 1968 constitution’s emphasis regarding women?

Encouraged women’s participation in all aspects of society and the workforce.

What was the 1972 Family Code?

Law promoting gender equality in family life and sharing domestic duties equally between men and women.

What slogan promoted gender equality in the GDR?

“Equality of men and women in all areas of life.”

What was the main goal of women’s policies?

To enable women to work full time while raising families through welfare and childcare support.

What was the main women’s organisation in the GDR?

Democratic Women’s League of Germany (DFD).

What percentage of adult women were members of the DFD?

Around one-third.

What were the roles of the DFD?

Promoted SED policies, educated women politically, organised social activities, and encouraged employment.

What percentage of women were in employment by the 1980s?

Around 90%.

What percentage of the workforce were women by 1989?

49%.

What kinds of jobs did most women have?

Lower-paid, unskilled, or part-time positions, often in textiles, teaching, or healthcare.

What was the wage gap between men and women?

Women earned about 30% less than men.

Give one example of women in leadership positions.

Margot Honecker (Minister for Education) was one of the few women in high office.

What was the role of the FDJ (Free German Youth) in shaping attitudes?

Promoted equality and career opportunities for girls through education and training.

What measures supported working mothers?

Paid maternity leave, child benefits, state nurseries, and shorter working hours for mothers.

How long was maternity leave after 1976?

26 weeks (6 months) paid leave.

What was the ‘baby year’ introduced in 1986?

One year of paid leave after the birth of a child for mothers (or fathers in theory).

How many children attended state childcare by 1980?

Over 80% of children aged 3–6 attended kindergarten.

What was the birth rate trend during the 1970s?

It rose due to family-friendly policies.

What was the average number of children per woman in 1980?

Around 1.9.

What was the GDR’s policy on abortion?

Legalised in 1972 during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

How did attitudes towards abortion differ between generations?

Older women were more traditional, younger women saw it as a normal part of healthcare.

Give one challenge faced by working women.

Double burden of work and domestic duties.

What was the reality of gender roles despite SED propaganda?

Women were still expected to manage most childcare and housework.

What was the percentage of women in university by 1989?

Around 50%.

What was the percentage of women in the Volkskammer (People’s Chamber)?

Around 30%.

What evidence suggests limited political influence for women?

Few women held senior posts in the SED or Politburo.

How did the GDR’s gender equality compare to the FRG?

The GDR had higher female employment and childcare provision but limited freedom and choice.