Valerie Sperling
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- November 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199324347
- eISBN:
- 9780199381890
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199324347.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change, Gender and Sexuality
This is the third case study chapter on the use of gender norms and sexualization as political tools in Russia. It investigates a new wave of Russian feminist activism that began in 2010, and the ...
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This is the third case study chapter on the use of gender norms and sexualization as political tools in Russia. It investigates a new wave of Russian feminist activism that began in 2010, and the analyses of politics and political legitimacy that this activism offers. This chapter shows that some self-identified feminist groups, such as Pussy Riot, consciously make use of the same patriarchal paradigm used by pro-regime and liberal activists, while other Russian feminist groups—outside the cultural spotlight—overtly critique the sexism and homophobia that they see displayed across the political arena. The chapter presents Russian feminists’ explanations for the prevalence of gender norms and sexualization in Russian politics, including the role of the Russian Orthodox Church. It examines the Pussy Riot trial and the repression of other instances of feminist protest to highlight the regime’s antagonism to feminist ideology. The Ukrainian group Femen is also discussed.Less
This is the third case study chapter on the use of gender norms and sexualization as political tools in Russia. It investigates a new wave of Russian feminist activism that began in 2010, and the analyses of politics and political legitimacy that this activism offers. This chapter shows that some self-identified feminist groups, such as Pussy Riot, consciously make use of the same patriarchal paradigm used by pro-regime and liberal activists, while other Russian feminist groups—outside the cultural spotlight—overtly critique the sexism and homophobia that they see displayed across the political arena. The chapter presents Russian feminists’ explanations for the prevalence of gender norms and sexualization in Russian politics, including the role of the Russian Orthodox Church. It examines the Pussy Riot trial and the repression of other instances of feminist protest to highlight the regime’s antagonism to feminist ideology. The Ukrainian group Femen is also discussed.
Eva Maria Hinterhuber and Gesine Fuchs
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447324775
- eISBN:
- 9781447324799
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447324775.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gender and Sexuality
In this chapter the authors strive to answer existing research desiderata by exploring the role of Pussy Riot as a civil society actor in the emancipation of women in a national as well as ...
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In this chapter the authors strive to answer existing research desiderata by exploring the role of Pussy Riot as a civil society actor in the emancipation of women in a national as well as international setting. In order to address this issue, the authors explore the political, societal and religious as well as the gender-political and economic context in which Pussy Riot is located and respectively acting, the reasons behind the formation of Pussy Riot and its recent history and the specific ways in which the group pronounces its political and religious, feminist and economy critical protest.Less
In this chapter the authors strive to answer existing research desiderata by exploring the role of Pussy Riot as a civil society actor in the emancipation of women in a national as well as international setting. In order to address this issue, the authors explore the political, societal and religious as well as the gender-political and economic context in which Pussy Riot is located and respectively acting, the reasons behind the formation of Pussy Riot and its recent history and the specific ways in which the group pronounces its political and religious, feminist and economy critical protest.
Valerie Sperling
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- November 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199324347
- eISBN:
- 9780199381890
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199324347.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Politics, Social Movements and Social Change, Gender and Sexuality
Is Vladimir Putin macho, or is he a “fag”? this book investigates how gender stereotypes and sexualization have been used as tools of political legitimation in Putin’s Russia. Despite their political ...
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Is Vladimir Putin macho, or is he a “fag”? this book investigates how gender stereotypes and sexualization have been used as tools of political legitimation in Putin’s Russia. Despite their political polarization, regime allies and detractors alike have wielded traditional concepts of masculinity, femininity, and homophobia as a means of symbolic endorsement or disparagement of political leaders and policies. By repeatedly using machismo as a means of legitimation, Putin’s regime opened the door to the concerted use of gendered rhetoric and imagery as a means to challenge regime authority. Sex, Politics, and Putin analyzes the political uses of gender norms and sexualization in Russia through the lens of three case studies: pro- and anti-regime groups’ activism aimed at supporting or undermining the political leaders on their respective sides; activism regarding military conscription and patriotism; and feminist activism (including the dramatic performances by Pussy Riot). Arguing that gender norms are most easily invoked as tools of authority-building when widespread popular acceptance of misogyny and homophobia exists, this book also examines the ways in which sexism and homophobia are reflected in Russia’s public sphere. Exploration of this subject sheds light on Russia’s sociopolitical dynamics and on the use of gender norms as part of the legitimation strategies employed by regimes in power and by their political opponents.Less
Is Vladimir Putin macho, or is he a “fag”? this book investigates how gender stereotypes and sexualization have been used as tools of political legitimation in Putin’s Russia. Despite their political polarization, regime allies and detractors alike have wielded traditional concepts of masculinity, femininity, and homophobia as a means of symbolic endorsement or disparagement of political leaders and policies. By repeatedly using machismo as a means of legitimation, Putin’s regime opened the door to the concerted use of gendered rhetoric and imagery as a means to challenge regime authority. Sex, Politics, and Putin analyzes the political uses of gender norms and sexualization in Russia through the lens of three case studies: pro- and anti-regime groups’ activism aimed at supporting or undermining the political leaders on their respective sides; activism regarding military conscription and patriotism; and feminist activism (including the dramatic performances by Pussy Riot). Arguing that gender norms are most easily invoked as tools of authority-building when widespread popular acceptance of misogyny and homophobia exists, this book also examines the ways in which sexism and homophobia are reflected in Russia’s public sphere. Exploration of this subject sheds light on Russia’s sociopolitical dynamics and on the use of gender norms as part of the legitimation strategies employed by regimes in power and by their political opponents.
Karina V. Korostelina
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- June 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199372812
- eISBN:
- 9780199372836
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199372812.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics, Comparative Politics
Chapter 2 discusses series of scandals around the Russian Orthodox Church perceived as insults to Russian society, and events connected with Pussy Riot’s protests. Pussy Riot, a feminist punk band, ...
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Chapter 2 discusses series of scandals around the Russian Orthodox Church perceived as insults to Russian society, and events connected with Pussy Riot’s protests. Pussy Riot, a feminist punk band, stormed the main altar of Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral and performed “Punk Prayer,” containing crude language directed toward the president of Russia and leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. By using this divergence insult they protested the collusion between the Russian Orthodox Church and President Vladimir Putin. For the Russian government it was a legitimacy insult. The government-controlled Russian mass media were quick to shape public opinion to the effect that Pussy Riot insulted a place of worship and the Orthodox faith in general. As a result, three members of the band were convicted of “hooliganism” and sentenced to two years in prison.Less
Chapter 2 discusses series of scandals around the Russian Orthodox Church perceived as insults to Russian society, and events connected with Pussy Riot’s protests. Pussy Riot, a feminist punk band, stormed the main altar of Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral and performed “Punk Prayer,” containing crude language directed toward the president of Russia and leader of the Russian Orthodox Church. By using this divergence insult they protested the collusion between the Russian Orthodox Church and President Vladimir Putin. For the Russian government it was a legitimacy insult. The government-controlled Russian mass media were quick to shape public opinion to the effect that Pussy Riot insulted a place of worship and the Orthodox faith in general. As a result, three members of the band were convicted of “hooliganism” and sentenced to two years in prison.
Alison Brysk
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199982660
- eISBN:
- 9780199362523
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199982660.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics, Comparative Politics
The plot of a narrative claim for human rights is delivered by a political performance. This chapter explores performance genres of testimonial, political theatre, protest allegories, and parody. It ...
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The plot of a narrative claim for human rights is delivered by a political performance. This chapter explores performance genres of testimonial, political theatre, protest allegories, and parody. It profiles cases of the Vagina Monologues, India's Anna Hazare protest movement, political satire in Russia, and the Colbert Report.Less
The plot of a narrative claim for human rights is delivered by a political performance. This chapter explores performance genres of testimonial, political theatre, protest allegories, and parody. It profiles cases of the Vagina Monologues, India's Anna Hazare protest movement, political satire in Russia, and the Colbert Report.
