Russian Society

Paper Summary:

This paper begins by providing an overview of ethnicity and religion in Russia. It then looks at the country's demographics and the Russian society in the post-Soviet period. The writer then examines generational groupings and social structure within the country.

From the Paper:

"Although the Marxist-Leninist ideology professed a "classless" society, political considerations largely determined social status in the former Soviet Union. Such basis of a social structure has undergone a drastic change and the new social stratification in Russia is largely based on wealth. This newly rich class consists mainly of the former members of the Soviet government and others (mainly younger people) who were dexterous and flexible enough to take advantage of opportunities (often illegal) to make money in the changed circumstances. The nouveau riche have often indulged in a hedonistic lifestyle, driving flashy Western cars, sporting expensive clothing and jewelry, and frequenting stylish restaurants and clubs that are far beyond the reach of ordinary Russians. ("A Country Study...," 2004 para on Social Stratification) A new youth culture that took root in Russia during the time of the glasnost in the 1980s had adopted all the anti-establishment mannerisms of young people in the West such as nonconformist dress, drug use, and protest music. The disappointments of the later years, however, have tended to transform the idealistic youth culture towards shallow materialism, decadence, and hedonism."

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