The Urban Life of Workers in Post-Soviet Russia: Engaging in Everyday Struggle

This book challenges stereotypes of workers in post-industrial societies, presenting a novel approach to everyday life in post-industrial cities based on an ethnographic study with elements of arts-based research. It presents a new genre of writing about workers influenced by the avant-garde documentary tradition and working-class literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Despite the profound transformations brought about by deindustrialization across the globe, the working class remains a significant force in post-industrial societies. Nevertheless, individuals belonging to this social group often face stigmatization, moral judgment, and negative portrayals in dominant discourses. This book aims to challenge the prevalent stereotypes associated with workers, drawing upon extensive research into the lived experiences of working-class and ordinary individuals in Russia's post-industrial cities.

The urban landscape of workers in post-Soviet Russia is intricately woven with the narratives of local communities engaged in the daily struggles that arise within the context of deindustrialization under the influence of neoliberal neo-authoritarianism. Within this setting, the book proposes a novel perspective on everyday life in post-industrial cities. By integrating elements of ethnographic study with arts-based research, the book introduces a fresh genre of writing that is influenced by the avant-garde documentary tradition and working-class literature.

Through its comprehensive exploration, the book sheds light on the complex realities faced by workers in post-industrial environments. It delves into the experiences of individuals who navigate the challenges and complexities of a rapidly changing economic landscape, often facing job insecurity, wage inequality, and social exclusion. The book also highlights the resilience and creativity exhibited by workers in their pursuit of a better life, as they adapt to new circumstances and find innovative ways to survive and thrive.

Moreover, the book challenges the notion that workers are solely defined by their economic roles and seeks to explore their diverse identities and experiences. It recognizes the importance of cultural and social factors in shaping the lives of workers and explores how these factors intersect with economic transformations to create unique challenges and opportunities. The book employs a rich and nuanced narrative style, combining ethnographic data, personal anecdotes, and artistic representations to convey the depth and complexity of the working-class experience.

By offering a fresh perspective on the working class, this book contributes to our understanding of post-industrial societies and the ongoing struggles of individuals within these communities. It provides valuable insights into the lives of workers and challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions and stereotypes about this social group. Ultimately, the book aims to foster empathy, understanding, and solidarity among workers and promote a more inclusive and just society.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526167637