DOES LIFE MAKE MORE SENSE NOW? YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIFE PROJECTS AND THE NEW FEELING OF STABILITY IN RUSSIA

Abstract: While most inhabitants of the Russian Federation remember the 1990s as a period of “mess”, the early 2000s are commonly being associated with economic growth, more reliable household income and a higher degree of “stability ” in general. The author tries to explore in various regional sett...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Joachim Otto Habeck
Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
Format: Text
Language:English
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Online Access:http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.574.1839
http://folklore.ee/folklore/vol41/habeck.pdf
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Summary:Abstract: While most inhabitants of the Russian Federation remember the 1990s as a period of “mess”, the early 2000s are commonly being associated with economic growth, more reliable household income and a higher degree of “stability ” in general. The author tries to explore in various regional settings how the political idea of “stability ” articulates with young people’s expectations about their future. The basis for this exploration is a twofold assumption: on the one hand, an economically more stable situation is conducive to planning one’s future; on the other, a general growth of income leads to a reduction of conflicts and aggression, more tolerance and a greater potential for the expres-sion of personal predilections. The author corroborates this hypothesis by pre-senting his own research findings along with evidence from other scholars ’ work (in the Komi Republic and adjacent Nenets Autonomous Okrug, and in Novo-sibirsk and its surroundings). In spite of this generally optimistic view, the author also points to new aspects of social exclusion. Furthermore, restoration of moral values and the state’s strong emphasis on patriotism partially contra-dict the general diagnosis of increased tolerance and a higher diversity of life-styles. Key words: diversity of lifestyles, future, Russia, stability, tolerance, youth