The Socialist Way of Life in Siberia: The Buryat Transformation

The Buryats are a Mongolian population in Siberia, and the Socialist Way of Life in Siberia challenges the common notion that modernization created a Buryat national assertiveness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

The Buryats, a Mongolian population residing in Siberian Russia, stand as the largest indigenous minority within the region. The Socialist Way of Life in Siberia offers a captivating exploration of the profound transformation that occurred in the daily lives of the Buryats during the late twentieth century. This study challenges the prevailing notion that the process of modernization during the later Soviet period resulted in a Buryat national assertiveness rather than assimilation or support for the state.

The Buryats, a Mongolian ethnic group, have a rich history and culture that spans across Siberia, Russia. They have a strong sense of identity and have historically maintained their unique traditions and languages. However, the Buryats faced significant challenges during the Soviet era, particularly in the late twentieth century.

The introduction of socialism in Siberia brought about significant changes in the lives of the Buryats. The government implemented policies aimed at industrialization and urbanization, which led to the migration of many Buryats from their rural communities to cities. This migration often resulted in social and economic marginalization, as the Buryats struggled to find employment and adapt to a new way of life.

Furthermore, the Soviet government implemented policies that aimed to promote Russification and assimilate the indigenous populations into the Russian culture. These policies included the forced closure of Buryat schools and the promotion of Russian language and literature. This led to a decline in the use of Buryat languages and a loss of cultural identity for many Buryats.

Despite these challenges, the Buryats have managed to maintain their cultural heritage and identity. They have established cultural organizations and festivals to celebrate their traditions and languages. They have also worked to promote education and literacy in Buryat languages, which has helped to preserve and promote their culture.

The Socialist Way of Life in Siberia provides a valuable insight into the experiences of the Buryats during the late twentieth century. It challenges the common notion that modernization led to the assimilation of indigenous populations into the dominant culture. Instead, the study shows that the Buryats have managed to maintain their cultural heritage and identity despite the challenges they faced.

The study also highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural diversity of indigenous populations. The Soviet government's policies of Russification and assimilation were harmful to the Buryats and other indigenous groups, and they have had long-lasting consequences. It is essential to learn from the past and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society that recognizes and values the diversity of its citizens.

In conclusion, the Buryats are a Mongolian population in Siberian Russia, the largest indigenous minority. The Socialist Way of Life in Siberia presents a dramatic transformation in their everyday lives during the late twentieth century. This study challenges the common notion that the process of modernization during the later Soviet period created a Buryat national assertiveness rather than assimilation or support for the state. The Buryats have managed to maintain their cultural heritage and identity despite the challenges they faced, and it is important to recognize and respect the cultural diversity of indigenous populations.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644697450