Matriarchy is Back, Kind of

When Nicole has to work late, her husband Gary slips a hot meal between her and her laptop. He does the shopping, dishes and most of the cleaning.

Nicole has neither time nor interest in the domestic sphere. She's too busy as the breadwinner in their household, bringing home significantly more bacon as a television producer.

He's got flexible, low paid job and therefore has more time for these duties.

Yulia has interest, but no time for the domestic sphere. She's too busy as the breadwinner in their household, bringing home significantly more bacon as a pharmacist.

Her husband Ivan is unemployed as it is difficult for middle-aged men to find a decent job. He does reluctantly the shopping, never the dishes or the cleaning.

Nicole and Gary are from Toronto. Yulia and Ivan are from Veliko Tarnovo.

Bulgarian women have gained significant independence in what comes close to a sexual revolution in a macho country. They excel in juggling successfully between professional and household obligations.

In politics, the big macho made way for a few ladies, who turned out to be just his good girls. And survived.

What will it take for ordinary Bulgarian women to survive the return of matriarchy-minus-authority?

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