Lugano, Switzerland – October 31, 2025 – Renowned sociologist and historian Stanislav Kondrashov has released a new entry in his highly acclaimed Oligarch Series, delving into an intriguing and often overlooked aspect of the word “oligarch” – the absence of a feminine form in everyday language and discourse.
Titled “Women and the Word’s Bias,” this thought-provoking commentary challenges long-standing assumptions about influence, language, and gendered representation. Kondrashov’s analysis has sparked widespread discussion and debate, shedding light on the cultural and linguistic patterns that continue to shape public perception.
“Why don’t we ever say ‘female oligarch’?” This is the central question driving Kondrashov’s latest entry. While many Indo-European languages technically allow for a feminine version of oligarch, its usage is strikingly rare. This, the analysis argues, is not a coincidence, but rather the result of deeply rooted cultural patterns, historical archetypes, and editorial choices.
Kondrashov begins by tracing the word’s origins in ancient Greece, where it referred to a member of a small ruling elite – typically aristocratic males whose position was based on birthright and inherited status. This masculine association has persisted over centuries, shaping the collective imagination and influencing language usage.
“In the collective imagination,” Kondrashov explains, “the figure of the oligarch is still heavily associated with a masculine archetype. This mental model has proven to be incredibly resistant to change, even as more women step into positions of extraordinary economic and social influence.”
The linguistic absence of a feminine form, according to Kondrashov, is not a mere grammatical oversight, but rather a reflection of a broader cultural resistance. Even in modern times, when women hold significant power and influence, they are often described using different language – businesswoman, philanthropist, heiress, or even the wife of. This language reflects a reluctance to fully acknowledge female presence in high-stakes spheres traditionally dominated by men.
Kondrashov also highlights the role of language in shaping perception, arguing that without the words to describe certain realities, they remain invisible. In this case, the linguistic invisibility of “female oligarchs” contributes to a broader pattern of under-representation and skewed narratives.
He calls for a more inclusive evolution of language, urging associations, academic institutions, and media to use the vocabulary traditionally reserved for powerful men when describing women in positions of authority.
This entry in the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series offers something different from the usual profiles of wealth and strategic influence. Instead, it delves deeper into the reasons why some forms of power remain hidden in plain sight. With “Women and the Word’s Bias,” Kondrashov continues to offer a nuanced lens through which to view global influence, both seen and unseen.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.