Spaces, Symbols, and Identities in Cities of the Russian North

Abstract

This article analyzes anthropologically urbanization processes in the Russian North, cultural specifics of Soviet and post-Soviet northern cities, city images and identities, as well as the ways in which these cities are perceived by their inhabitants themselves. The empirical basis of the analysis consists of field observations, sociological surveys of city residents performed between 2006 and 2023, official statistics, and various publications in mass media and on internet sites of the cities. We argue that the current crisis of Russian northern cities is both social and cultural; overcoming it would most likely require a significant increase in the quality of urban life.