“Backwards in High Heels”: Education and Career Challenges in Hungary

Abstract

Over the past century radical changes to the status of women have taken place in Hungary. In common with other post-socialist countries, Hungary rapidly adopted the dual-earner family model and provided greater access to work for women. However, the currant status of women remains controversial. In the influential positions in economics and politics, women still lag far behind men. These differences are even more pronounced in scientific life considering the fact that women are over-represented in higher education. This paper examines the obstacles that prevent women from carrying out professional and scientific career in Hungary.

Keywords: women, gender, post-socialism, social change, transitional economy, Hungary, higher education, career, science, research and development, glass ceiling