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Sex, Politics, and Putin: Political Legitimacy in Russia

Online ISBN:
9780199381890
Print ISBN:
9780199324347
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

Sex, Politics, and Putin: Political Legitimacy in Russia

Valerie Sperling
Valerie Sperling

Professor of Political Science

Clark University
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Published online:
20 November 2014
Published in print:
5 December 2014
Online ISBN:
9780199381890
Print ISBN:
9780199324347
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

Is Vladimir Putin macho, or is he a “fag”? this book investigates how gender stereotypes and sexualization have been used as tools of political legitimation in Putin’s Russia. Despite their political polarization, 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 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 the lens of 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 (including the dramatic performances by Pussy Riot). Arguing that gender norms are most easily invoked as tools of authority-building when widespread popular acceptance of misogyny and homophobia exists, this book also examines the ways in which sexism and homophobia are reflected in Russia’s public sphere. Exploration of this subject sheds light on Russia’s sociopolitical dynamics and on the use of gender norms as part of the legitimation strategies employed by regimes in power and by their political opponents.

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