Does National Identity have an impact on Gender Equality? A Feminist-Constructivist analysis of Estonia´s identity formation process and its impact on Gender (In-)Equality today

Abstract: The shift of mainstream International Relations after the collapse of the Soviet Union as well as societal changes challenged the way we see the world. This research is concerned with the, for the researcher most pressing issue of our social coexistence, (In-)equality. To further narrow down, the author engages with identity formation and the issue of gender in Estonia. After assessing the International Relations relevance of Feminist IR and pointing out Constructivist similarities ontological and epistemological assumptions are presented, where the author shares the Feminist claims of seeing states as the analytical unit in the international system but as a representational conglomeration of a population. Estonia´s transformation process, from a oppressed socialist society to economic liberalization will show a deeper connection to the population´s national identity. The methodological endeavour takes two indexes the Gender Equality Index and the World Value Survey and cross-analyses opinion with reality and finds correlation in the Socialist past influencing the opinion in Gender Equality. The comparative study with Slovenia shows ineffectiveness of Gender quotas and a general slow progress in terms of Gender Equality. Concluding, that the past and the constructed identity against the former Soviet ideology and the constructed national identity has an influence on Gender Equality.