The negotiation of masculinity and identity through clothing choices among Russian speakers in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Alla Myzelev
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Masculine Identity ◽  
Russian Speakers ◽  
Negotiation Of Identity ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Military ◽  
Clothing Choices

Using information interviews conducted with Russian-speaking men living in Toronto and vicinity this article interrogates the understanding of fashion among immigrants from former Soviet Union and Russia. Using a hypothesis that Russian-speaking men conceptualize their male identity differently from both their Canadian counterparts and Russian men living in Russia this article investigates how fashion choices affect negotiation of identity of these men in Canada. Using art historical methodologies, historical analysis and qualitative research I look at the interviewee’s contributions as a reflection of masculinity in transitions assuming that the forming of masculine identity is a constantly changing process. In each society the hegemonic model of masculinity categorizes groups of men in relation to each other through ‘normalizing’ the definition of masculinity and defining its standards and proper manifestations. This is particularly true of societies where the military culture has an increased presence and an important role to play. Contemporary Russia epitomizes the commanding and rigid nature of the masculinist regime where hegemonic masculinity is firmly established and thoroughly institutionalized.

Is Sicily the future of Russia? Private protection and the rise of the Russian Mafia

2001 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Varese
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Power System ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Soviet Power ◽  
The Caucasus ◽  
The Future ◽  
Private Protection ◽  
Definition Of

It is difficult to discuss a phenomenon when one does not know precisely what it is. This problem is particularly vexing in the case of the Mafia. It has been argued that ‘the need for a definition [of the Mafia] is crucial; not just for any definition with some degree of contingent empirical plausibility, but for a definition with some analytical clout’ (1). The word ‘Mafia’ itself has travelled far to distant lands, such as the former Soviet Union. For instance, according to Arkadii Vaksberg, Russian journalist and author of The Russian Mafia, the Mafia is ‘the entire soviet power-system, all its ideological, political, economical and administrative manifestations’ (2). In an article published in a magazine for British executives dealing with Russia, the label Mafiosi is used to lump together bureaucrats, smugglers from the Caucasus, the CPSU nomenklatura accused of embezzling state funds, the late British businessman Robert Maxwell and many others (3).

scholarly journals TERMINOLOGY STUDY BY FOREIGN STUDENTS AT THE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT AT A TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

2020 ◽  
pp. 129-139
Author(s):  
Людмила Ивановна Ярица
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Foreign Student ◽  
Russian Language ◽  
State University ◽  
Russian Scientific ◽  
Technical University ◽  
Definition Of

Рассматривается вопрос преподавания русского языка как иностранного в техническом вузе России. Актуальность темы обусловлена ростом числа иностранных студентов в российских вузах и необходимостью скорейшего овладения ими русским языком. Описаны особенности изучения русской научной лексики, терминологического аппарата технических дисциплин, в частности языка математики, иностранными студентами, обучающимися на подготовительном отделении Томского государственного архитектурно-строительного университета. Проведен лингвистический эксперимент, в ходе которого студентам был предложен диктант, изобилующий научной лексикой; описаны результаты, а также нарушения произношения и написания терминов, так как главную трудность представляет именно изучение лексики научного стиля речи. Выявлены и описаны, структурированы особенности отступлений от нормы, предложены варианты работы по реализации программы отработки навыков нормативного письма иностранными студентами. Достаточно трудным является определение границы слова, написание букв в конце слова, восприятие шипящих согласных, парных согласных по глухости/звонкости, мягкости/твердости; определение рода имен существительных (в большинстве языков народов бывшего Советского Союза нет категории рода). В связи с этим возникает необходимость тщательно продумывать типы упражнений в соответствии с потребностью учащихся и их последовательность. The issue of teaching Russian as a foreign language in a technical university in Russia is considered. The relevance is due both to the increase in the number of foreign students in Russian universities and the need for them to master the Russian language as soon as possible in order to continue their studies in Russian. The aim of the work is to describe the features of mastering Russian scientific vocabulary, the terminology of technical disciplines, in particular, the language of mathematics by foreign students studying at the preparatory department of the Tomsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Building). A linguistic experiment was carried out, when students were offered to write a dictation, replete with scientific vocabulary. The results, as well as violations of pronunciation and spelling of terms have been described, since the main difficulty is precisely the study of the vocabulary of the scientific style of speech. The peculiarities of deviations from the standard were also identified, structured, and described. Options for the implementation of the program for the development of normative writing skills by foreign students were proposed. Rather difficult is the definition of the word boundary, writing letters at the end of a word, the perception of hissing consonants, paired consonants (unvoiced – voiced), soft – hard; determination of the gender of a noun (in most languages of the former Soviet Union there is no category of gender). This requires the necessity of elaborate thinking over the exercise types and their sequence in accordance with students’ needs. This work continues a series of methodical publications, the main aim of which is improving the quality of foreign student education in technical universities of Russia.

Is Sicily the future of Russia? Private protection and the rise of the Russian Mafia

1994 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Varese
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Power System ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Soviet Power ◽  
The Caucasus ◽  
The Future ◽  
Private Protection ◽  
Definition Of

It is difficult to discuss a phenomenon when one does not know precisely what it is. This problem is particularly vexing in the case of the Mafia. It has been argued that ‘the need for a definition [of the Mafia] is crucial; not just for any definition with some degree of contingent empirical plausibility, but for a definition with some analytical clout’. The word ‘Mafia’ itself has travelled far to distant lands, such as the former Soviet Union. For instance, according to Arkadii Vaksberg, Russian journalist and author of The Russian Mafia, the Mafia is ‘the entire soviet power-system, all its ideological, political, economical and administrative manifestations’. In an article published in a magazine for British executives dealing with Russia, the label Mafiosi is used to lump together bureaucrats, smugglers from the Caucasus, the cpsunomenklatura accused of embezzling state funds, the late British businessman Robert Maxwell and many others.

The Preconditions of Social Identity of a Small State in Transition to Democracy

1998 ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Jurate Morkuniene
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Active Agent ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transition To Democracy ◽  
Essential Condition ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Definition Of

The definition of social identity consists of two parts. First, it means protection against threats to the nation’s existence and well-being. Second, it means the search for measures and possibilities to achieve the goals of social development and improvement. Social identity implies the creation and preservation of conditions in which each citizen can develop as educated, creative and responsible persons. Today, especially for nations throughout the former Soviet Union, the chief danger to social identity lies in the adverse conditions of continued underdevelopment. It follows that for these nations, identity means first of all development. The essential condition for a small nation’s identity and survival is based on the people’s resolution to rely on themselves and to envision the potential for their own country. The modern strategy for ensuring social identity would essentially rely on the principle that every citizen is part of the national identity, i.e., its active agent. For this reason, of central importance is the creation of equal starting possibilities (equality of opportunities) for everyone.

Russian policymakers will await new US president

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Russian Foreign Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Russian Military ◽  
Vladimir Putin ◽  
Military Campaign ◽  
The Military ◽  
Offensive Strategies

Subject Russian foreign policy in 2016. Significance Russian foreign policy is driven by an amalgam of realpolitik, nationalism and anti-Western ideology, and consists of both defensive and offensive strategies. The robust, confrontational approach championed by President Vladimir Putin in recent years has produced successes in such areas as the military campaign in Syria, but an undecided outcome in Ukraine and mixed results in other parts of the former Soviet Union. Impacts A NATO summit this July may result in a tougher, more coordinated stance on Russia. Following its official partial withdrawal from Syria, the Russian military will conduct selective attacks. Russia will need careful diplomacy to keep Belarus and Kazakhstan from drifting away as allies.

scholarly journals Siege Memory – Besieged Memory? Heroism and Suffering in St Petersburg Museums dedicated to the Siege of Leningrad

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 412-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Porzgen
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Second World War ◽  
World War ◽  
Critical View ◽  
Museum Exhibitions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Memorial Sites ◽  
War Commemoration ◽  
Second World

The official Soviet narrative of the Second World War used the concept of heroism to imbue war commemoration with an obligation towards the state. Such a concept was designed to make subsequent generations feel inferior to their predecessors and obliged to give of their best. Today, the victory serves as the strongest connection between Soviet and modern Russian patriotism. The paper argues that the memory of the Siege of Leningrad (1941-1944) as treated in museums in St Petersburg today is an appropriation by present-day Russian propaganda of the Soviet narrative. Soviet memorial sites are developed to foster support for Russia rather than the former Soviet Union. While the use of the heroic paradigm continues, the definition of heroism has changed to include each and everybody who suffered during the Siege. With collective heroism as the leading image, a critical view of the historic events becomes all but impossible. The paper makes references to the alternative narratives of literature, memoirs and diaries to contrast the version of the Siege presented in the museum exhibitions.

scholarly journals Regional Trade Agreements of Ukraine: Realities and Prospects

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-81
Author(s):  
Nadiia V. Kryvenko
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Trade Agreements ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Regional Trade Agreements ◽  
Regional Trade ◽  
Historical Aspect ◽  
First Case

The conclusion of regional trade agreements has increased to hundreds. The benefits of integration, fears of protectionism on the part of uniting countries, and other factors contribute to this process. Ukraine has signed agreements with more than 40 countries, including integration groups. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the specific features of its agreements, prospects for their development and signing new ones. It is worth analysing the conclusion of agreements in the historical aspect, based on the level of their economic development, foreign trade, the trade complementarity level, and identifying development opportunities. Therefore, general scientific and special methods were used in this study, in particular historical, analysis and synthesis, economic analysis, tabular, etc. The study examined research performed by other scientists; statistical data from the Centre for international trade, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); international treaties and regulatory documents. According to the analysis of concluding agreements, it is proposed to divide them into two periods: before and after 2000. In the first case, they were concluded mainly with developing and neighbouring countries, and in the second – with developed countries outside the former Soviet Union. At first, the partners were mainly the CIS countries, then Europe, and later other regions, but there were also disintegration processes with the Baltic states. It is established that transactions have their specific features regarding the provision of a favourable regime, e-commerce, etc. It is proposed to divide integration risks into predictable and unpredictable ones. The main importers of all and agri-food products were identified among the countries with which agreements have been concluded. Exports to such countries are mainly growing, as well as the share of agri-food products. The trade balance and low share in Ukraine's exports indicate the feasibility of developing trade. The calculation of the complementarity index allows predicting the prospects for the development of relations with countries with which agreements are planned and already concluded, as well as with the main importers of the world market. The results of the study indicate prospects for the development of trade, but this will depend on the content of transactions, product competitiveness, etc.

The Migration of Russians Outside Their Homeland

1992 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Robert A. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Geographic Origin ◽  
National Goal ◽  
Immigration Laws ◽  
Historical Argument ◽  
Preferential Position ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Common Destiny ◽  
Spatial Identity

The migration and settlement of Russians throughout the former Soviet Union in combination with rising nationalism have resulted in a set of conditions that will probably result in considerable national conflict. From an operational perspective, the subjective definition of a nation is the most useful. A nation is a self-defining community whose members claim a common ancestry and a common destiny. They also claim a common geographic origin, the national homeland, over which they claim an exclusive, proprietary right. In fact, nations seek to ensure their destiny by controlling the national homeland for the benefit of their nation, and by promoting the indigeneous nation to a dominant, preferential position. A primordial connection between nation and homeland—blood and soil—is claimed, which results in a geographic or spatial identity, imbued with great emotion as the sacred ancestral land. The national homeland is delimited and justified by either history, demography, or both. Although demographic dominance can generally be claimed by only one nation, the historical claim can be made by more than one, and frequently the demographic claim is reinforced by the historical argument. Most national and ethnic conflict is provoked by conflicting claims to the homeland or aliens residing in the national homeland. Thus, as a rule, the more ethnically homogeneous the homeland, the less the conflict among nations. Of course, this is not always the case. A major national goal is ethnic homogeneity in the national homeland, as various restrictive language, citizenship, and immigration laws demonstrate. Yet this aim will not be sought at the expense of control over ancestral territory.

Ukraine, Russia, and the Question of Crimea

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Marples ◽  
David F. Duke
Keyword(s):  
Soviet Union ◽  
Former Soviet Union ◽  
Second World War ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Soviet Period ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
World War ◽  
Socialist Republic ◽  
The Military ◽  
Second World

The Crimean question developed as one of the major crises of the post-Soviet period among the two largest Slavic states of the former Soviet Union. It is an issue with several dimensions: the historical background; the case of the Crimean Tatars as an ipso facto aboriginal population deported en masse toward the end of the Second World War; the military-strategic question, with Crimea as the base for the Black Sea Fleet; economic and social developments; and the legality of the 1954 transfer of the peninsula from the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic (RSFSR) to Ukraine in 1954.

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