They were both people of relative privilege within their own societies (in Dostoevsky’s case, at least in his youth). I have a strong feeling the author isn’t a

They were both people of relative privilege within their own societies (in Dostoevsky’s case, at least in his youth). I have a strong feeling the author isn’t arguing any sort of racial or gendered essentialism - there is merit in acknowledging that media produced by those of privileged classes may carry certain attitudes or opinions that don’t necessarily speak effectively to different audiences.