The Problem of Understanding the Essence of Femininity in Western and Russian Society

Interest in the specifics of female nature, the differences between “female” and “male” has existed at all times. In the 20th century, such interest was largely transformed into slogans and social transformations, movements for equal participation of women, along with men, in various social institutions and public administration. The XXI century marked a new wave of interest in the study of the topic of “femininity”. It is largely due to the fact that conditions for the active participation of women in various spheres of society have already been created, many women occupy leading positions in the management of social institutions and strive to unite, forming women’s clubs, women’s business communities, etc. Their creation is inherently connected with the understanding of the specifics of “femininity”. Also, the relevance of the study of the concept of “femininity” is related to the fact that the living conditions set by the scientific and technological progress of modern society have significantly increased the level of stress in human life, which has reflected on the multiplied problems of women’s health. The search for ways to restore it is increasingly going into the search for answers to the question of the foundations of health laid down by “feminine nature”. Having analyzed the change in the social role of women and the understanding of "femininity" in the course of the history of European and Russian societies, the author of the article offers his version of the content of this concept, which, in our opinion, can contribute to the formation of a deeper gender identity of a modern woman and an understanding of the basics of her health.