Bibliograph

Sex, politics, and Putin, political legitimacy in Russia, Valerie Sperling

Type

Label

Sex, politics, and Putin, political legitimacy in Russia, Valerie Sperling

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Sex, politics, and Putin

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

876466730

Responsibility statement

Valerie Sperling

Series statement

Oxford studies in culture and politics

Sub title

political legitimacy in Russia

Summary

Is Vladimir Putin macho, or is he a "fag"? Sex, Politics, and Putin investigates how gender stereotypes and sexualization have been used as tools of political legitimation in contemporary Russia. Despite their enmity, 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 (unlike that of Gorbachev or Yeltsin) 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 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. Arguing that gender norms are most easily invoked as tools of authority-building when there exists widespread popular acceptance of misogyny and homophobia, Sperling also examines the ways in which sexism and homophobia are reflected in Russia's public sphere.--Provided by publisher

Table Of Contents

The power of sex: culture, gender, and political legitimacy -- Putin the sex back in politics: gender norms, sexualization, and political legitimation in Russia -- Who's macho, who's gay?: pro- and anti-Kremlin activists gendering Russia's political leadership -- Fight club: gendered activism on patriotism, conscription, and pro-natalism -- Everywhere and nowhere: sexism and homophobia in Russian politics -- When pussy riots: feminist activism in Russia -- Conclusion. "The first time, do it for love": sexism, power, and politics under Putin

Classification