The Roots of the Grass: Patterns of Grassroots Urban Mobilization in Russia

 
PIIS013216250007746-3-1
DOI10.31857/S013216250007746-3
Publication type Article
Status Published
Authors
Occupation: Senior Researcher
Affiliation:
Sociological Institute of FCTAS RAS
Center for Comparative History and Politics of Perm State University
Address: Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Perm
Journal nameSotsiologicheskie issledovaniya
EditionIssue 12
Pages29-37
Abstract

Based on the analysis of over 500 cases of grassroots mobilization in Russian cities in 2012–2014, I analyze basic characteristics of urban protests and their patterns. The data demonstrate that mobilization against construction projects is the most frequent one, followed by the protests against the demolition of the recreational areas, insufficient quality of municipal services, and degradation of transport infrastructure. Also of high visibility are protests of evicted citizens and hoodwinked house investors. Citizens experience all types of the problems related to the urban development and governances regardless of the type of the city. However, mobilization in metropolitan areas is more intensive and diversified, while protests in the smaller cities tend to be more direct in repertoire and particularistic in demands. The study shows that grassroots urban mobilization constitutes a lasting backdrop for urban governance in Russia. Urban dwellers mobilize when public authorities or business encroach into their living environment, however, they are less able to be proactive and turn protests into sustained collective challenges like campaigns or movements. The results of the study also point to the necessity of developing effective institutions for communications between all stakeholders in the urban governance process.

Keywordsgrassroots mobilization, urban politics, collective action, protests
AcknowledgmentThe research is supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant (RSF №18-78-10054) «Mechanisms of interests coordination in the urban development processes».
Received29.11.2019
Publication date11.12.2019
Number of characters23186
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