Authorities and Urban Communities in Social Space of a Large City (based on Perm data)

Abstract

Oleg Leibovitch — Head of the Chair for Cultural Science, Perm State Technical University. Address: 29, Komsomolskii Ln., Perm, 614990, Russian Federation. E-mail: oleg.leibov@gmail.com

Nataliya Shushkova — Associate Professor, Chair for Cultural Science, Perm State Technical University. Address: 29, Komsomolskii Ln., Perm, 614990, Russian Federation. Email: nataliashushkova@gmail.com

This article is based on the results of a qualitative sociological study (a series of focused interview), which was carried out by the authors themselves over the past 15 years. The following subjects are discussed in this article: the style of authority in the Perm region, positions of the main socio-cultural groups in relation to the regional authorities and their representatives in social policy. Based on the interview results, the following two basic conclusions can be drawn: the political activity of Perm citizens has a seasonal and pre-election character; the most socially and economically successful citizens are generally excluded from political participation.