ABSTRACT
Female participation in general education is equal to that of males. Some claim it has contributed more than any other avenue of social participation to equal opportunities. One must conclude that East Germany was much more successful in breaking down the gender stereotypes in various fields of study in higher education than West Germany has been. Actually, women throughout Germany had gained importance during World War II as they participated actively as industrial workers in the war effort. The East German women also faced dilemmas, but these were not so severe as in West Germany. The relationships between men and women, at least in the work world, were strictly defined by Marxist philosophy that placed great value on work —the worker's positive contribution to society being the highest ideal. The generous provisions for maternity leave and child-care which East German women took for granted are being dramatically reduced.
