The End of Western Dominance E-Book

Hermann Selchow

• Herausgeber: tredition
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 255

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

The end of Western dominance - the reorganization of the multipolar world The world is undergoing a historic upheaval. The centuries-long dominance of the West is crumbling, while new centers of power are rising and fundamentally changing the geopolitical order. China, Russia, the BRICS states and the Global South are challenging Western hegemony - economically, militarily and ideologically. But what does this mean for the future of international relations, for Europe, the USA and the global markets? This book analyzes the key drivers and causes of change and sheds light on the profound consequences of the emerging multipolar world order. Concise, fact-based and well-founded, it shows why the West is losing influence, which actors are shaping the new world and what challenges and opportunities arise from this. - Understandable and analytical: complex geopolitical developments clearly summarized. - Current and explosive: a look at the decisive forces that are shaping the world of tomorrow. - Fact-based and forward-looking: A well-founded assessment of the multipolar reality. For everyone who is concerned with the big questions of our time: "The End of Western Dominance" provides exciting insights, strategic analyses and an indispensable look at the future of global power relations. A must for those interested in politics, decision-makers and anyone who wants to understand how the world of tomorrow will be shaped. Recognize the new rules of the world order - and stay one step ahead of developments!

Leseprobe

The End of Western Dominance –

The Restructuring of the Multipolar World

© 2025 Hermann Selchow

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tredition GmbH, Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5, 22926 Ahrensburg, Germany

Das Werk, einschließlich seiner Teile, ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Für die Inhalte ist der Autor verantwortlich. Jede Verwertung ist ohne seine Zustimmung unzulässig. Die Publikation und Verbreitung erfolgen im Auftrag des Autors, zu erreichen unter: tredition GmbH, Abteilung "Impressumservice", Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5,

22926 Ahrensburg, Deutschland.

The End of Western Dominance

The Restructuring of the Multipolar World

Table of contents

Foreword

The Birth of the Western Order

The Golden Age: Economy, Culture and Global Dominance

The Challenge: The Eastern Bloc and its Political Ambitions

Signs of Decay: Challenges in the 21st Century

The Crisis of Democracy: Trust under Test

Geopolitical Shifts: The Rise of New Powers

The Battle for Resources: A World on the Brink of Collapse

Capitalism in Crisis: A System at the Crossroads

The Return of Authoritarianism: Threat to Freedom

The Role of the EU: From Idea to Dogmatism

The EU's influence in the geopolitical game

The Role of the USA: From Leader to Follower Nation?

Israel's role in the Western world: a special case?

Can the West renew itself? Scenarios for the future

Looking Ahead: Hope, Change and Opportunities

Closing Remarks

Also published by me:

Foreword

The Western order, once a symbol of stability, progress and the triumph of democracy, is now facing a multitude of challenges that are shaking its foundations. These challenges arise not only from external factors such as the rise of new global powers or the technological revolution, but also from internal tensions that are testing the social and political cohesion of Western societies.

This book addresses the question of how and why the Western order has faltered. But instead of providing hasty answers or falling into alarmism, the text takes a balanced and analytical approach. The aim is not only to describe the symptoms of the upheaval, but also to shed light on the causes and dynamics behind it. Historical perspectives meet contemporary developments, and scientific findings are linked to concrete examples from politics, business and society.

Over the centuries, the Western world has developed its identity in a field of tension between ideals and realities. Freedom, equality, human rights and democracy formed the basis of a narrative that not only provided orientation within the Western states themselves, but also had an international appeal. But this narrative is increasingly coming under pressure. The polarization of societies, the resurgence of authoritarian forces and growing skepticism towards established institutions and values raise the question of whether the Western order in its current form is still viable.

A central concern of this book is to look beyond the immediate crises and to make visible the deeper structures that are driving the change. It becomes clear that this is not a sudden collapse, but a gradual process in which new actors, ideas and power relations enter the stage. This process is neither linear nor irreversible. Rather, it is characterized by contradictions, conflicts and the possibility of a new beginning.

Readers are taken on a journey that begins in the centers of power in the West and from there traces the diverse connections to other regions of the world. How have globalization, digitalization and climate change changed the rules of the game? What role do social movements that campaign for justice and participation play? And how are Western democracies responding to the increasing pressure to defend their values and institutions?

It is the art of storytelling that distinguishes this book. Every crisis, every problem is not only analyzed soberly, but embedded in a context that brings the connections to life. Personal observations, historical events and the voices of experts are used to paint a multi-layered picture. This approach is intended to help readers not only understand what is happening, but also grasp the social and individual dimension of the change.

At the same time, the book maintains a critical distance and leaves it up to the reader to draw their own conclusions. It does not propagate an ideological program, but rather an invitation to think through and question the complexity of current developments. Because only through a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of the upheaval can we succeed in finding constructive paths into the future.

We live in an era of transition. What was taken for granted yesterday is being questioned today. But in every crisis there is also the opportunity for renewal. This book is not just intended to be a wake-up call, but also to inspire hope. Hope that the West, despite all the challenges, can develop its values and principles and adapt them to the realities of the 21st century.

May this book help enrich the discussion about the future of the West and provide food for thought for a way forward. Because ultimately it is up to all of us whether we see the challenges of change as a threat or as an opportunity.

Hermann Selchow

The Birth of the Western Order

To understand the birth of the Western order and its emergence, it is necessary to look at the cultural, political, economic and philosophical currents that have intertwined and influenced each other over the centuries. The process was neither linear nor free of conflict; rather, it was marked by a series of tensions and turning points that laid the foundations of the modern Western world.

A central aspect of the Western order is the idea of the rule of law, individual freedom and the rule of law. These ideas, which are now considered the cornerstones of Western societies, are the result of a long process of development that goes back to antiquity. The first foundations for Western political and legal culture were laid in the Greek polis and the Roman Empire. The democracy of Athens and the legal principles of Rome have served not only as a blueprint for the design of political systems, but also as a starting point for philosophical reflections on the relationship between the individual and the community.

Greek philosophy was a key in this process. Thinkers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle asked fundamental questions about human nature, justice and the ideal form of coexistence. Their works, preserved and expanded by Medieval Islam, later reached Christian Europe and laid the intellectual foundations for the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. These periods marked a renewed flowering of ideas that contributed to the development of modern democracies and science.

But the birth of the Western order was not just the work of philosophers and scholars. Social and economic upheavals also played a crucial role. Medieval feudalism, trade and the emergence of cities created new social classes and power structures that challenged Europe's monarchies. The Crusades and the voyages of discovery broadened the horizons of European societies while sowing the seeds of a globalized world economy. The Renaissance, with its recourse to ancient ideals and its focus on human potential, was a cultural engine that left a lasting mark on the spirit of Europe.

A crucial turning point was the Reformation. Martin Luther's theses and the upheavals that followed severed the religious unity of Europe and paved the way for a new conception of authority and individual responsibility. As a result, different faiths emerged that redefined not only religious but also political and social issues. The Reformation was thus a key moment that steered the Western order towards pluralism and tolerance - even if this process was associated with considerable conflict and war.

The birth of the Western order was also closely linked to the emergence of modern states. From the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 to the American Revolution in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789, principles such as national sovereignty, separation of powers and universal human rights were formulated. These developments were not isolated; they interacted with the scientific revolution, which opened up new ways of thinking about nature and society. Names such as Galileo, Newton and Descartes represent a time when knowledge and reason became the guiding stars of human progress.

At the same time, the dark chapters of the Western order cannot be ignored. Colonialism, which was motivated by the drive for economic expansion and resources, brought immense destruction, oppression and injustice. Millions of people in Africa, Asia and the Americas fell victim to exploitation and enslavement. These inequalities and their aftereffects are part of the legacy that accompanies the Western order to this day.

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries was another milestone. It changed not only the economy, but also social structures and everyday life. With industrialization came new technologies, urban centers and a working class that gained increasing political weight. The ideas of freedom and justice were applied to social and economic conditions, leading to labor movements and social reforms.

The Western order as we know it today is the result of this complex interplay of ideas, conflicts and developments. It is not static, but is in a constant process of adaptation and change.

The challenges of the 20th century, including the world wars, the Cold War and globalisation, tested it while showing its resilience. With the establishment of institutions such as the United Nations, NATO and the European Union, mechanisms were created that sought to anchor the principles of the Western order on a global level.

Today, the Western order is facing new challenges. Digitalisation and geopolitical shifts raise questions about its future viability. But its history shows that it has always been able to reinvent itself and respond to crises. The principles that shaped it - freedom, equality, the rule of law and human dignity - remain strong guiding principles that can endure even in a changing world.

After World War II, the Western world experienced profound changes that were felt politically, economically, socially and culturally. The main points of these changes can be summarized as follows:

Political Reorganization and Cold War

The world was divided into two ideological camps - the capitalist West led by the USA and the communist East led by the Soviet Union. This conflict shaped global politics until 1990 (Cold War). Institutions such as the United Nations (UN, 1945), NATO (1949) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were created to promote peace, security and economic stability. New democratic systems were established, particularly in Germany, Japan and Italy.

After the horrors of World War II and the end of the global catastrophe in 1945, the world was marked by profound change. The political landscape as it had existed before was not only challenged but in many ways fundamentally reshaped. This period marked the beginning of an era marked by new geopolitical realities, ideological conflicts, and the rise of global superpowers. The end of World War II brought not only peace but also the stage for a new conflict: the Cold War.

The war had not only devastated the world materially but also shaken old power structures. While Europe lay in ruins, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as dominant global players. These two nations, which had once fought as allies against the Axis powers, now became rivals in a world divided into two major power blocs. The United States stood for capitalism, democracy, and free-market economics, while the Soviet Union promoted communism, central planning, and an authoritarian form of government. This ideological opposition formed the basis for the Cold War.

The reordering of the world began immediately after the end of the war, as the Allies negotiated the future of the defeated nations, especially Germany. At the Yalta Conference in February 1945 and the Potsdam Conference in the summer of the same year, the foundations of the post-war order were laid. Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France. This division was initially intended to be a temporary solution, but it soon became the basis for the permanent division of the country into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

The founding of the United Nations in October 1945 marked another important step in the post-war order. This organization was created to ensure peace and create a platform for international cooperation. But despite this ambitious plan, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were already evident. These tensions would greatly influence the work of the UN in the decades to come.

With the promulgation of the Truman Doctrine in 1947, the policy of containment became a central strategy of the United States. The aim was to prevent the spread of communism by supporting countries that resisted Soviet influence. This led to the US getting involved in various conflicts around the world and laid the foundation for a global confrontation. The Marshall Plan, a large-scale economic aid program for Europe, was another expression of this policy. It was intended not only to support the reconstruction of Europe, but also to ensure that Western states could resist the influence of the Soviet Union.

On the other hand, the Soviet Union formed its own sphere of influence. By setting up so-called people's democracies in Eastern Europe, it established a network of satellite states that were economically, politically and militarily dependent on Moscow. The Warsaw Pact, founded in 1955 as a counterpart to NATO, underlined the military dimension of this bloc formation.

The bipolar world order that emerged after 1945 was characterized not only by political and military tensions, but also by a competition of ideologies. The Cold War was not only fought on battlefields, but also in the areas of culture, science and technology. The space race, symbolized by the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957 and the American moon landing in 1969, became a prominent expression of this competition.

But the Cold War was not just a conflict between East and West. It also had a far-reaching impact on the global South. Numerous proxy wars unfolded in Asia, Africa and Latin America, with the superpowers pursuing their respective interests. Decolonization, which gained momentum after the war, gave rise to a wave of newly independent states, often faced with the choice of joining one of the two power blocs or pursuing a non-aligned policy. The Non-Aligned Movement, led by countries such as India, Yugoslavia and Egypt, was an attempt to create an alternative to the two dominant blocs.

A key moment in the history of the Cold War was the Berlin Blockade of 1948–1949, which led to the Berlin Airlift and further exacerbated the confrontation between East and West. The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 became the ultimate symbol of the division of the world. This wall was not only a physical barrier, but also an expression of the deep political and ideological divide that characterized the world during this period.

Amid these global tensions, progress was also made. The arms control agreements between the United States and the Soviet Union, such as the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 and the START Agreement of 1991, testified to the superpowers' ability to find compromises despite their rivalry. These arms control efforts were not only a response to the threat of nuclear war, but also an expression of the need to limit the costs of the arms race.

Decolonization and the rise of the so-called Third World brought new dynamics to international politics. Countries such as India, Indonesia, and Brazil increasingly played a more prominent role on the global stage, demanding a redistribution of power and resources. However, the economic and social challenges in these regions were enormous, and superpower rivalry often exacerbated existing conflicts.

The Cold War did not end abruptly, but through a gradual process of change. Mikhail Gorbachev's reform policies in the Soviet Union, known as perestroika and glasnost, ushered in a new era. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of this ideological conflict and the beginning of a new world order.

The post-war and Cold War era was a period of profound change that shaped the world forever. This period demonstrated both the dangers of global confrontation and the possibilities of international cooperation. The lessons of this era remain relevant today as the world continues to face challenges that require cooperation and mutual understanding.

Economic reconstruction and prosperity

The United States supported the reconstruction of Western Europe with billions in aid to restore the economy and infrastructure and to contain the influence of communism. Countries such as Germany, France and Italy experienced rapid economic recovery, boosted by new technologies and increased industrial production. The desire for peace and economic cooperation led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, a forerunner of today's European Union.

After the end of World War II in 1945, many countries in Western Europe were faced with the challenge of rebuilding their devastated economies. The war had destroyed large parts of the infrastructure, industrial facilities and cities, while at the same time destabilizing social and political structures. Nevertheless, Western Europe managed to achieve an astonishing economic recovery within a few decades, leading to unprecedented prosperity in many countries.

A key role in the reconstruction of Western Europe was played by the Marshall Plan, launched by the United States in 1947. This plan, officially called the "European Recovery Program," provided around 13 billion US dollars (about 140 billion dollars today adjusted for inflation) in aid for reconstruction. The financial support was aimed at stabilizing the economies of the recipient countries, promoting trade relations and containing the spread of communism. Countries such as France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries benefited particularly strongly from these funds. The Marshall Plan enabled the reconstruction of industrial facilities, the modernization of agriculture and the expansion of transport routes such as railways and roads.

In countries such as the Federal Republic of Germany and Italy, the economy experienced a dramatic upturn that became known as the "economic miracle". In West Germany, measures such as the currency reform of 1948 and the social market economy under Ludwig Erhard contributed significantly to this. The introduction of the Deutsche Mark stabilized the economy and created confidence in the market. At the same time, the government relied on a combination of state regulation and a free market economy to ensure both economic growth and social security. In Italy, the "Piano Marshall" not only led to the reconstruction of infrastructure, but also to the promotion of industries such as automobile production (e.g. Fiat) and the fashion industry, which made the country known worldwide in the decades that followed.

Another key factor in economic reconstruction was increasing European integration. As early as 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was founded, bringing together Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The aim was to place the production of coal and steel under joint control in order to prevent future conflicts and at the same time promote economic exchange.

In 1957, the Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC). This community laid the foundation for a common internal market that would reduce trade barriers such as tariffs and promote the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. Cooperation at the European level helped to ensure that the economies of the countries involved became more closely intertwined, which in turn promoted economic growth.

From the 1950s onwards, sustained economic growth led to a broad improvement in living standards. Unemployment fell significantly in many countries and rising incomes gave a broad section of the population access to consumer goods such as refrigerators, televisions and cars. The development of a consumer-oriented society was particularly influential in the 1960s. Economic stability also enabled the expansion of social welfare benefits, such as pension and health insurance systems, which contributed to a high level of social security in countries such as Sweden, France and Germany.

Despite the impressive successes, there were also challenges. Some regions, such as the south of Italy or rural areas in France and Spain, benefited less from the economic boom and remained structurally weak. In addition, rapid economic growth in the 1970s led to ecological problems, for example due to industrialisation and increasing energy consumption. In the long term, however, economic reconstruction after 1945 laid the foundation for modern prosperity and political stability in Western Europe. Economic integration within the European Union, which emerged from the EEC in 1993, remains a central part of European economic policy to this day.

The economic reconstruction after 1945 was a complex but extremely successful process. It was made possible by international aid, smart economic policy decisions and close European cooperation. The resulting prosperity changed people's living reality for good and made Western Europe one of the most prosperous regions in the world.

The Marshall Plan had a profound impact on economic, political and social development, especially in Germany after 1945. Its implementation and the conditions associated with it laid the foundation for the reconstruction of the West German economy and its rise to become the leading economic power in Europe. Here is a detailed analysis:

Germany received about 1.4 billion US dollars under the Marshall Plan between 1948 and 1952 (around 10 percent of the program's total funds at the time). These funds were provided mainly in the form of loans and supplies in kind. They were crucial for rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, such as railway lines, bridges and factories, as well as for reviving industrial production. An important aspect was the targeted investment in key industries such as steel, coal and mechanical engineering. These sectors were essential to Germany's economic basis. In addition, funds were used to modernize agriculture, which helped to stabilize the food situation and prevent famine.

The Marshall Plan's aid was tied to conditions that would shape West German economic policy in the long term: A central component was the introduction of the Deutsche Mark (DM), which replaced the Reichsmark. This created a stable currency basis that curbed inflation and restored the confidence of the population and international partners in the German economy.

Under the leadership of Ludwig Erhard, the model of the social market economy was established. This combined a free market economy with social security systems. The conditions of the Marshall Plan explicitly called for the opening of markets and the removal of protectionist measures, which promoted competition and strengthened international trade relations. Germany was obliged to cooperate closely with neighboring countries, especially France. This promoted trade and laid the foundation for later European integration.

But the Marshall Plan had not only economic but also far-reaching political implications: the aid was a clear signal for West Germany's integration into the Western alliance system led by the United States. This helped to politically and economically separate the Federal Republic of Germany from the Soviet-influenced Eastern Bloc. The United States linked economic support to the expectation that democratic institutions would be strengthened in Germany. This led to closer cooperation between the Western occupying powers and the newly emerged German authorities. The Marshall Plan helped to overcome the image of Germany as a country of destruction and aggression. Reconstruction created confidence in Germany's ability to return to the international community peacefully and productively.

The reconstruction of the economy led to a rapid rise in living standards in West Germany. After the privations of the war, people were able to supply themselves with basic goods again, and unemployment fell noticeably. With the increasing availability of consumer goods, a consumer-oriented society emerged, which was characterized by economic growth and an optimistic feeling about the future, especially in the 1950s. The Marshall Plan not only transferred financial resources, but also technical expertise and management know-how from the USA to Germany. This accelerated technological progress and promoted the training of skilled workers.

The modernization of industry soon enabled Germany to export competitive products again. Germany became a global market leader, particularly in sectors such as mechanical engineering, chemicals and automobile manufacturing. Investments in transport systems and energy supplies laid the foundation for sustainable economic development. A key goal of the Marshall Plan was to create a self-sustaining economy. The West German economy was already able to grow independently of external aid in the 1950s and became a driving force of European integration.

The Marshall Plan focused on certain regions and sectors, which in some cases led to imbalances. Rural areas or less developed sectors benefited less. Some critics saw Marshall Aid as a form of economic and political dependence on the United States, which continues to have an impact on German foreign policy to this day.

The Marshall Plan had a significant impact on the relationship between Germany and the United States, and in many ways led to the Federal Republic's economic and political dependence on the United States. This dependence was not only a direct result of the aid provided, but also of the political and strategic interests tied to the Marshall Plan. Here are the key aspects of this dependence:

The Marshall Plan's extensive financial aid created a significant economic link between West Germany and the United States: Marshall Plan funds represented a significant portion of the investment in reconstruction. Without this support, economic recovery would have been slower and more difficult. This created a dependence on U.S. aid, especially in the years immediately after the war.

The Marshall Plan greatly promoted trade between West Germany and the United States. The U.S. economy benefited by supplying German industries with machinery, raw materials, and technology. At the same time, German exports to the United States were promoted, closely linking the economies of the two countries. The transfer of technical knowledge and management methods from the United States was crucial to the modernization of German industry. However, this also led to West Germany orienting itself towards the USA in technical and economic terms. Marshall aid was not just an economic measure, but also had clear geopolitical goals.

It strengthened West Germany's political ties to the United States. The Marshall Plan was part of the USA's strategy to integrate West Germany into the Western alliance system and keep it away from Soviet influence. This made Germany a de facto partner in the Cold War against the Soviet Union, which had a significant impact on its political orientation. This support was tied to the condition that West Germany commit to Western democracy and establish a market economy. The strong economic dependence on the USA reduced the Federal Republic's scope for an independent foreign policy. The economic aid of the Marshall Plan paved the way for later military cooperation, such as the Federal Republic's accession to NATO in 1955. This deepened the dependence on the USA in the area of security policy.

The economic and political cooperation was also accompanied by cultural and ideological influence. The Marshall Plan contributed to the Americanization of German society, especially in the areas of consumer culture, management philosophy and lifestyle. American values such as capitalism, competition and individualism were promoted through economic cooperation and technology transfer. The USA also used the Marshall Plan to spread its political ideology. It was portrayed as a symbol of the superiority of the Western system over communism. This shaped public opinion in West Germany and cemented the pro-American attitude of the population.

While the Marshall Plan is generally seen as successful, there were also critical voices that problematized the dependence on the USA. Some critics argued that the economic aid limited Germany's political and economic sovereignty. The conditions of the Marshall Plan, such as the commitment to open markets and the promotion of international cooperation, were seen as an intervention in national economic policy. The economic and technological transfers were often one-sided in favor of the USA. Critics complained that German industries were slowed in their development by the dependence on US supplies. The close ties with the USA created an economic and political dependence that is still evident in the transatlantic partnership today. Germany was often under strong influence from the USA, especially in foreign and security policy.

Nevertheless, the Marshall Plan laid the foundation for the economic reconstruction of West Germany and created a strong bond with the United States. This bond had numerous positive effects, such as integration into the Western community and economic stability. At the same time, however, it led to a significant dependence that limited Germany's scope for action both economically and politically. This dependence was not only a consequence of the aid, but also a strategic goal of the USA in the context of the Cold War.

The Marshall Plan was much more than just economic aid: it laid the foundation for the rapid reconstruction of West Germany, promoted a liberal economic order and integrated Germany into the Western world. The conditions associated with it - such as currency reform, the introduction of market economy principles and the promotion of international cooperation - not only enabled a rapid recovery, but also laid the foundation for the long-term stability and prosperity of the Federal Republic.

Social change

Many people moved to cities and the industrial workforce grew. At the same time, mobility was increased by expanding the transport network. After the war, more investment was made in educational systems, which led to a growing middle class and more equal opportunities. Women who had entered the labor market during the war were increasingly accepted in the world of work after the war.

The period after 1945 was marked by profound social upheavals in Germany. These changes resulted from the catastrophic consequences of the Second World War, the occupation and the economic reconstruction. The Marshall Plan, economic stabilization and the political decisions in the Federal Republic of Germany influenced all aspects of social life, from the roles of the sexes and family structures to new forms of consumption and cultural orientation.

After the end of the Second World War, German society was faced with the problem of reorganizing itself from the rubble of the war. The destruction of cities, the millions of deaths and the displacement of people had a profound impact on the population structure and the social fabric. Millions of people who were expelled from the former German eastern territories or other parts of Europe came to the western occupation zones. These refugees had to be integrated into a society that was already characterized by a scarcity of resources. This led to tensions, but also to an increased mixing of the population.

The collapse of the Nazi regime and the Allied occupation led to a break with traditional political and societal authorities. Many institutions that had previously shaped everyday life had to be rebuilt. This created space for new values and structures. The war had caused a massive loss of men of military age. This meant that women had to take on responsibility in many areas of social life, which changed gender roles in the long term.