Full Description
This book offers a brief introduction to the anthropological study of Russia. Moving beyond the conceptual iron curtain that has divided past study of Russia into "East" and "West," it situates Russia in a global context and provides readers with all of the necessary analytical tools for understanding the complex cultural and social configurations of the contemporary Russian Federation. Based on extensive fieldwork in Russia, it offers unique insights into a number of cultural configurations--including socialism, violence, mythology, colonialism, nationalism, gender, memory, democracy, media, and art. Through the use of interesting case studies and ethnographic "snapshots," the author has produced a lively and engaging overview of Russia's cultural meaning and significance.
Contents
TimelinePrefaceAcknowledgments1. Introducing Russia2. Red Russia: Socialism and the Social3. Spectacular Power and Terror4. The Awakening of Contemporary Russia: Perestroika, 1985-19915. ...And the Politics of Memory, Loss, and Nostalgia6. Mythical Russia7. Indigenous Russia8. Gender Trouble in Russia9. Nation, Nationalism, and War 10. Media and Art11. Protest, Democracy, and Participation12. Russia Beyond RussiaGlossaryReferencesIndex
