Lithuanian woman identity in modern times

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to analyse the contemporary Lithuanian female identity. The present article encompasses various aspects in the change of national Lithuanian woman identity that acquires special importance at present. The article is based on the previous works of different authors and field research data gathered by the author in 2007 at Vytautas Magnus University. The following research is based on the data of 75 respondents. The main problem of this research is to reveal the changes of mentality, values and cultural orientations of young generation. The methods of the research are comparative analysis and the field research methods. The results of the research indicate that Lithuanian female identity is rather changeable, manifold, and polysemantic phenomenon. The research finding reveals that the greatest distinctive factor influencing different attitude to females’ features is age. Different generations have different conception of femininity and masculinity as well as different priorities in value system. This indicates the process of change not only in the system of values but in the whole system of national identity. Our research discovers the new individualistic Lithuanian women features. Such new features emphasize a new conception of femininity as well as rather changeable female’s identity in modern times. The change of new Lithuanian woman identity as well as transformation of values is the result of changes occuring in socio-economy, politics, and culture in our contemporary society.