Librería Portfolio

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.



Table of Contents:

Timeline
Preface
Acknowledgments

1. Introducing Russia
2. Red Russia: Socialism and the Social
3. Spectacular Power and Terror
4. The Awakening of Contemporary Russia: Perestroika, 1985-1991
5. ...And the Politics of Memory, Loss, and Nostalgia
6. Mythical Russia
7. Indigenous Russia
8. Gender Trouble in Russia
9. Nation, Nationalism, and War
10. Media and Art
11. Protest, Democracy, and Participation
12. Russia Beyond Russia

Glossary
References
Index