This master thesis aims to analyze the relationship between mass movement in Moscow in the period from 2011 until 2013 and emergence of middle class in the State. The main objective of the paper is to prove that Financial Economic Crisis of 2008 - 2010 gave a sufficient impetus for the middle class in Russia to join the protest movement against unfair elections. In work the attempt to find an answer to the questions such as the reason why middle class joined protests in 2011, what processes preconditioned this mass decision and why the protests did not go further is made. The hypothesis is formulated as following: in the basis of middle class social discontent and their accession to the protests in 2011-2013 lies economic situation, which emerged in the country after financial and economic crisis, 2008-2010 rather than political engagement. In order to test this hypothesis the following analyses were made: the description of the protests themselves, description of middle class in Russia, analysis of polls and researches on this matter, investigation and short description of economic situation in the country within the years from 2008 till 2011, and interviews with political activists from non-systematic opposition were made.
The work clarifies the importance of living standards and Western democratic approach to the market and policy in Russia from the side of middle class and also opens up new questions which aim deeper investigation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Research Problem
1.2. Salience and novelty
1.3. Questions:
1.4. Objectives:
1.5. Hypothesis
1.6. Research design and research method
1.7. Literature review
2. Theory and Method
2.1. Qualitative Research Method
2.2. Theoretical Framework
2.3. Methodology
2.4. Theoretical approaches towards social movements studies
2.5. Middle Class Definition
3. Research Analysis
3.1. Description of protests in Moscow, and the reasons of the failure
3.2. The Reflection of Economic Crisis in the Mood of Russian Middle Class and Transformation into Political Crisis
Research Objectives & Core Themes
This thesis examines the intersection of the Moscow protest movement (2011–2013) and the emergence of the Russian middle class. It aims to determine whether the financial crisis of 2008–2010 served as the primary catalyst for the middle class to join political protests against electoral fraud, rather than purely political motivations.
- The causal role of the 2008–2010 economic crisis in social discontent.
- Defining and analyzing the socio-economic status of the Russian middle class.
- Comparing political activist viewpoints with broader public sentiment regarding economic stability.
- Evaluating the shift from economic concerns to political demands during the protests.
- Analyzing the factors contributing to the eventual decline of the protest movement.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. Description of protests in Moscow, and the reasons of the failure
The day after the elections to the Russian Parliament, on 4 December 2011, rallies against rigged election results in favor of the ruling party took place in Moscow and in a number of major cities in the country. The number of participants in the protests grew very quickly – from tens of thousands of people in the end of November. Very quickly the number reached hundreds of thousands in the end of December. It was unexpected amount of protesters earlier seen only in the beginning of 90-s. Pretty soon demands to recount votes and to resign the head of the Central Election Commission changed to the requirements of re-election and the resignation of Vladimir Putin. Unabated, protest activities continued throughout the winter and spring, numerous actions were held in June and September.
The election campaign of 2011, which ended with many thousands of protesters in the center of the Russian capital and in other big cities, was different from previous ones from the very beginning. For more than a year sense of uncertainty was slowly growing caused by the economic crisis. Total social stability and support which is usual for pre-electoral period which is characterized by "the rise of public hopes for a better life, higher living standards, increased optimism" was absent. Throughout 2011 the party in power and top officials rankings was decreasing. The party "United Russia" was not able to mobilize their supporters. After a brief increase in their numbers in September and October to November, the number intending to vote for the party in power has dropped again to 34%. Common feeling of economic stability which was usual for successful period of Putin’s presidency and his main trump card disappeared, the support of population dropped.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the rise of Vladimir Putin, the emergence of mass protests in 2011 following disputed parliamentary elections, and the identification of a new middle class as a key protest contingent.
2. Theory and Method: Discusses the qualitative case-study research design, the definition of the middle class, and theoretical frameworks, including the concept of relative deprivation, to explain social movements.
3. Research Analysis: Investigates the timeline of the Moscow protests, the transition from economic discontent to political opposition, and the impact of the global financial crisis on the Russian middle class.
Keywords
Russia, Middle Class, Protests, Moscow, 2011-2013, Financial Crisis, Economic Policy, Living Standards, Political Opposition, Democracy, Corruption, Social Movements, Qualitative Research, Regime Legitimacy, Public Opinion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this master thesis?
The research analyzes the role of the Russian middle class in the Moscow protests between 2011 and 2013, specifically investigating whether economic factors were the primary driver for their participation.
What are the primary themes discussed in this work?
The work focuses on the intersection of the 2008–2010 financial crisis, the socio-economic status of the Russian middle class, and their shift toward political activism in the face of perceived government inefficiency.
What is the main research hypothesis?
The author hypothesizes that the middle class's accession to the protests in 2011–2013 was motivated more by the economic situation resulting from the 2008–2010 financial crisis than by purely political engagement.
Which research methodology does the author employ?
The study utilizes a qualitative case-study approach, incorporating statistical data from the Levada Centre, surveys by Sasha de Vogel, and original interviews with protest participants.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body examines the timeline of the protests, the definition and characteristics of the Russian middle class, the correlation between economic crisis and political mood, and the influence of systemic issues like corruption.
Which keywords best describe the research?
Key terms include Russia, middle class, protests, financial crisis, corruption, political opposition, democracy, and public opinion.
How does the author define the "middle class" in the Russian context?
The author defines it as a social group with sustainable income capable of satisfying a wide range of social and material needs, often characterized by higher education, employment in the private sector, and ownership of real estate or a mid-range car.
Why does the author argue that the protests eventually failed?
The thesis argues that the opposition failed to reach its goals because it ignored socio-economic aspects, focusing too heavily on political criticism, and failed to maintain a cohesive strategy or mobilize the broader urban middle class over the long term.
What specific economic impacts did the 2008 crisis have on the middle class?
The crisis ruined previous economic achievements, led to ruble depreciation, and increased uncertainty regarding the government's ability to protect the standards of living that the middle class had grown accustomed to.
- Quote paper
- Anna Kamayeva (Author), 2015, The Role of Middle Class in Moscow Protests between 2011 and 2013, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/288665
