Understanding Sociopolitical Engagement of Society in Russia: A View from Yaroslavl Oblast and Tatarstan. Issue 5 (3rd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brunarska, Zuzanna
• Is Part Of: Problems of post-communism. Volume 65:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2018-09-03
• Subjects: Post-communism -- Periodicals; Post-communism; Periodicals; 330.91717
• DOI: 10.1080/10758216.2017.1291309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-8216

Abstract

Abstract : The article explores recent developments in the non-electoral sociopolitical engagement of society in contemporary Russia. Referring to the concepts of political opportunity structure and framing, it considers existing coping strategies that represent alternatives to disengagement—a shift from higher-level political issues to social or local problems and engagement through state-controlled structures—in terms of their role in the development of civil society. The analysis, embedded in the regional context of Tatarstan and Yaroslavl Oblast, points to the limitations and merits of both forms of participation, arguing why, despite their inferiority to unrestricted independent activism, they should not be dismissed.