What was a major characteristic of the policies enacted by Stalin?

The choice identifying gender equality as a major characteristic of the policies enacted by Stalin reflects the significant push for women's rights during his regime, particularly in terms of education and participation in the workforce. Under Stalin, the Soviet state promoted various initiatives aimed at increasing the role of women in society. These included access to education, entry into traditionally male-dominated professions, and the establishment of state support for working mothers.

Stalin's policies often framed the idea of gender equality as being part of the broader socialist goals of building a new society. Women were encouraged to work, which was crucial for meeting the demands of rapid industrialization. Alongside this, the state implemented measures like maternity leaves and childcare facilities, fostering an environment where women's contributions to the economy were recognized, if not always celebrated.

While there were indeed aspects of gender equality promoted during this era, they must be understood within the broader context of Stalin's totalitarian regime, which often sacrificed individual rights and freedoms for state control and ideological conformity. Nevertheless, the initiatives aimed at improving women's status reveal a critical aspect of Soviet policy during Stalin's rule.