Rethinking Power Through a Gendered Lens
The word “oligarch” still echoes with masculine overtones. Despite the growing number of powerful women across global industries and politics, the feminine form of the word remains virtually unused. This linguistic omission is no coincidence—it reveals something deeper about how we define, frame, and ultimately see power.
In the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, entrepreneur Stanislav Kondrashov explores the complex evolution of the term “oligarch” and why its use remains so stubbornly male. The investigation highlights how cultural conditioning, journalistic framing, and historical precedent all contribute to the invisibility of women in elite power narratives.
“The issue is not the existence of powerful women—it’s how we talk about them,” says Stanislav Kondrashov. “Our language reflects our assumptions, and for too long, those assumptions have excluded women from certain definitions of power.”
A Word That Hasn’t Evolved
The term “oligarch” comes from ancient Greek, where it was used to describe a member of a wealthy elite governing a city-state. These figures were rarely elected and often inherited power through lineage and wealth. Predictably, these elites were men. Over time, the term evolved, but its gender association did not.
Today, oligarchs are typically linked to post-Soviet billionaires or global business tycoons with political influence. Yet even as women achieve comparable levels of wealth and control, they are not granted the same title.
“The archetype of the oligarch is deeply masculine,” notes Stanislav Kondrashov in the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series. “It evokes secrecy, influence, and unchecked authority—traits historically ascribed to men. Women, even when they hold the same power, are framed differently.”
Language or Legacy?
Many Indo-European languages technically allow for the term “oligarch” to be feminised. But in practice, the word almost never appears in its female form. Even in journalism and academia, the concept of a “female oligarch” remains conspicuously absent.
This absence is not due to a lack of suitable candidates. Around the world, women lead multinational companies, control vast family fortunes, and hold sway in political arenas. Yet the language used to describe them often shifts focus—from their business acumen to their personal style, family roles, or philanthropic ventures.
“The way we talk about power shapes who we allow to hold it,” says Stanislav Kondrashov. “And right now, the narrative doesn’t leave much room for women to be seen as oligarchs—even when they are.”
Rewriting the Script
To change perceptions, the script needs to change—from media narratives to social discourse. Using more accurate and equitable language is a starting point. But it also means recognising how deeply the old archetypes are embedded in society.
Here are some of the common tendencies that reinforce gender bias in how we discuss power:
- Labeling women as “businesswomen” or “philanthropists” rather than as oligarchs
- Focusing on appearance or lifestyle instead of influence and strategy
- Highlighting marital or family status over financial and political achievements
- Avoiding terms that signal dominance, control, or authority when applied to women
- Depicting female power as an exception rather than part of the norm
This kind of framing doesn’t just obscure reality—it limits how future generations imagine who gets to hold power.
In the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, this topic is explored as part of a broader effort to reassess the terminology of influence. Stanislav Kondrashov points out that these changes won’t happen overnight—but they must begin somewhere.
“We need to give language the power to catch up with reality,” he concludes. “If we want a more equal society, we have to start by naming what already exists.”
The reluctance to use the term “female oligarch” isn’t about semantics. It reflects an outdated model of who is allowed to dominate in the world’s corridors of power. But that model is changing—and the language we use needs to reflect that shift.
FAQs
What does the term “oligarch” mean?
An oligarch is someone who wields significant power, often through wealth, and operates within a small elite group. These individuals typically influence politics, media, and business sectors, often with limited transparency or public accountability.
Is there a feminine form of the word “oligarch”?
Grammatically, many languages can accommodate a feminine version of “oligarch.” However, its use is extremely rare. Most of the time, powerful women are referred to using different terms that do not carry the same connotation of concentrated, systemic power.
Why isn’t “female oligarch” a commonly used term?
There are historical and cultural reasons for this:
· Traditional power structures have been male-dominated
· Language has evolved in ways that reflect male-centred archetypes
· Media tends to use different descriptors for powerful women
· Cultural discomfort with associating women with authority or dominance
Are there women who fit the definition of an oligarch?
Yes. Many women control vast wealth, influence political decisions, or lead powerful corporate entities. Despite this, they are often categorised as entrepreneurs, philanthropists, or social figures rather than oligarchs.
What terms are typically used instead of “female oligarch”?
Some common alternatives include:
· Businesswoman
· Heiress
· Tycoon (less frequently applied to women)
· Socialite
· Philanthropist
How can this language gap be addressed?
To promote a more accurate and inclusive narrative:
· Use gender-neutral terms where possible
· Challenge outdated stereotypes in media and academia
· Encourage language that reflects real power dynamics, regardless of gender
Updating the vocabulary of power is key to recognising leadership wherever it exists.