SJS4- "Working-Class Resilience in Russia"

Source: Morris, Jeremy. “Working-Class Resilience in Russia” Current History, vol. 115, no. 783, Oct. 2016, pp. 264-269

Author Credentials: Jeremy Morris is qualified to discuss this issue because he studied modern history at Balliol College, Oxford. He remained at Oxford for his post-graduate study and obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Summary: This summary discusses the working-class peoples of Russia and how they are not able to rely on the state, and their need for informal social networks in order to survive. The economic shift to a system resembling a market capitalism was put in place stripping some blue-collar workers of full employment, secure jobs, and benefits. Many factory employees in the 1990s were owed money to that many enterprises could not pay to them due to the rise of inflation. Quality of blue-collar jobs increased in 2009 until the economic crisis in Russia in 2014. The post Soviet transition left a large amount of job instability in Russia and it is often blamed on the rapid globalization. It then goes on to discuss monotowns and how they are industrial towns usually specializing in collecting raw materials. These towns are usually run by a company which provides the housing and other amenities such as health care. The Pikalevo monotown protested over low wages in a region blocking a main highway, but they were threatened by a key military monotown that was coerced into doing so by the state. Workers do not have a regional location identity in Russia but an enterprise identity and will relocate in order to keep working. Russian workers are self- reliant and are protected against destitution because of the informal economy. This style of work includes both skilled and unskilled work in construction, small trade, and other means of work available which goes undetected by tax authorities and is tolerated. In conclusion, the working class in Russia will continue to persevere and will overcome any obstacle put in front of them by the state.

Analysis: The author makes a strong argument discussing the working class of Russia. He provides sufficient evidence to support this argument by including examples of what the working class has gone through, such as their economic shift and job instability. He also includes many ways they overcome these obstacles such as the informal market and the jobs they get their. He is not biased and gives facts about what had happened to the economy in Russia as well as including questionable aspects of the government without inputting any opinion. The author is reliable because he obtained his Doctor of Philosophy degree at Oxford University.