Sociologists like Oleg Zhuravlyev of Tyumen University say that there has been a major shift in the composition and attitudes of Russian protesters over the last decade. Compared to 2011-2013, protesters are significantly younger, from poorer groups, and further to the left. Studies demonstrate that those taking part in the earlier demonstrations against election fraud were middle class, averaging between 25 and 40 years of age, and with higher educations. Those doing so now are much poorer, much younger, and with as yet no higher education. Many who took part in the earlier protests had something to lose and thus were profoundly affected by repressions against them. That risk factor, far more than the “Crimea is ours” euphoria reduced their motivation to protest. Indeed, many of those who did take in the 2011-2013 protests indicated their protests were separate from the Crimea issue.

news First Russian Found Guilty of Encouraging Children to Protest Read more

There were significant numbers of young people in the 2011-2013 protests, but they took inspiration from the adults. Now that has changed. Most of them now act without considering the positions of the older generation, taking part in or even organizing protests on their own. They have less to lose and are more influenced by the actions of other young people in much the same way as has been true in other countries. On the one hand, if protests are happening, they want to be part of that; and on the other, they will participate even if they are not all that enamored of the leaders. As some young people put it, in Zhuravlyev’s words, “we do not like Navalny personally but today this is the only mass opposition protest going.” This politicization of young people, the sociologist continues, is in no way surprising. In contrast to their parents, they grew up at a time when protests were part of their lives. “Today’s youths,” he says, “are growing up in a politicized milieu, unlike their older brothers and sisters” and they feel that they can protest with much greater impunity.

news Russia Outlaws Youth Protestors Read more