Biografie znane i nieznane w rzeczywistości PRL. Bohaterki tekstów i ich wizerunek upowszechniany w periodyku dla kobiet „Zwierciadło” (1957–1989)
Biographies Known and Unknown in the Reality of the Polish People’s Republic. The Heroines of Texts and Their Image Disseminated in the Women’s Periodical „Zwierciadło” (1957–1989)

Summary/Abstract: The weekly magazine „Zwierciadło”, which was published between 1957 to 1989, was addressed mainly to women. Its content devoted significant attention to the lives and experiences of Polish women. An analysis of the magazine’s texts allowed to distinguished of three categories of female protagonists, which are presented in the article. These heroines featured in „Zwierciadło” included women of various professions and backgrounds – those who achieved success, experienced failures and tragedies, as well as single women or had families. The analysis of these publications made it possible to identify common features of the women and categorize them. The article outlines three separate catalogues of female fi gures depicted in the press. The first catalogue presents women who achieved success in various fields. The second group consisted of women meant to be perceived by readers as representatives of the general public and the reality of the Polish People’s Republic: they worked professionally, dealt with family and household responsibilities, distinguished themselves through achievements, and engaged in party or organizational activities. The third catalogue comprised women with serious personal and social issues, presented as collective heroines entangled in broader societal problems. Women from the first and second catalogues were presented by name and surname, presented ostentatiously, especially in special issues such as those published in 1975 to mark International Women’s Day. Their and were intended to inspire to face life’s challenges with confidence. In many ways, these heroines contradicted prevailing narrative about women’s limited visibility in public sphere and managerial positions. These texts were accompanied by portrait photographs (the first catalogue) and narrative photographs (the second catalogue). Women facing severe difficulties appeared anonymously.

• Details
• Contents