Agents of Political Socialization
Interest groups, associations, economic groups all shape political attitudes within a nation. By combining men and women of similar interests into one large group, they present a formidable presence in political attitude. Though among the economic groups, trade unions have the most influence with policymaking, as they are essential to the nation. They push for policies that will benefit them or at least not be detrimental to their lives mainly by strikes and other peaceful protests.
Although in Russia, labor unions are not as influential as their American counterparts. A quick google search lists almost no major activity for recent Russian strikes organized by labor groups. It is no surprise that the larger Russian labor union, Federation of Independent Trade Unions only has roughly 30 million members out of 100 or so eligible citizens. Over the past decade, they have tried to stimulate activity in interest in their groups, but so far have not been tremendously successful. However despite all this, the 30 million or so members are still a formidable presence.
Although in Russia, labor unions are not as influential as their American counterparts. A quick google search lists almost no major activity for recent Russian strikes organized by labor groups. It is no surprise that the larger Russian labor union, Federation of Independent Trade Unions only has roughly 30 million members out of 100 or so eligible citizens. Over the past decade, they have tried to stimulate activity in interest in their groups, but so far have not been tremendously successful. However despite all this, the 30 million or so members are still a formidable presence.
"I let Putin decide for me, because he knows what is best"
Instead, lobbyists have a more prominent role in voicing their concerns for the legislative process. Important businessmen go themselves or hire professionals from a company. As of the second half of the 1990's, these men (and occasional regional leader) could try to influence State Duma members to shape legislation that becomes more favorable to them, whether it be tax breaks or relaxed government supervision. As one professional Russian lobbyist website explains, they " will represent and protect your interests and positions in the courts of all instances, various federal agencies and departments, the power structures, the law-enforcement, regional, legislature departments."
Mass media has become more important in its role of political socialization as the years have gone by. Though on the decline, newspapers still have a large presence in Russia, with annual circulation of 8.3 billion copies. With such impressive numbers, Russia is unsurprisingly number one in the world for newspaper production despite Television being the most popular Russian source of information.
Russian channels
Russian channels
Political parties play a much larger role in influencing political attitude when compared to labor unions in Russia. It functions similarly to a labor union by representing common interests, but differs in the sense that it also more heavily consider the welfare of those not necessarily in the same social class. Thus it is no surprise that their main method of being "heard" is by trying to get as many seats out of the 450 available in the State Duma. In there, members of certain parties are able to push for legislation that: is in line with their view, their party and in the long run will benefit Russia.
"We are Russian, therefore I am."
Trends Happening? Modernization, Democratization, etc...
Officially, Russia is trying to modernize itself by stepping away from its past as a extremely centralized state. It has been somewhat successful historically, as Russia has transitioned from a Authoritarian Tsar, to a Communist Soviet Union and finally to the present day Federal Semi-Presidential Constitutional Republic. On this road to democratization, Russia has been slowly allowing more citizen input over the years, with one example being the first presidential elections. Traditionally this would be a big no-no, as the government would have decided what was best for everyone. It would disregard concerns and set wages because government knew what was right. Instead, parties have their presidential nominees listen to the concerns of the public and try to fix their problems with their approval.
"I wonder which one I should buy to contain the tears of poor people." - Rich Russian Maria Chekov
With the new rise in wealth, Russian lifestyle has undergone modernization. The clearest example being the change in the traditional household. Previously during Soviet era households, families of 2 to 3 generations would often cram themselves in one small apartment. Although with loosened government control over housing, and new income, young Russians are able to afford houses for themselves and extended family. The average citizen no longer works to merely sustain themselves, instead they work to enjoy luxuries of life. Cars are becoming the norm for every household as the average income rises throughout Russia. This rings especially true with the rise of the new class of the mega-rich. Only 50 years ago, this kind of wealth would be declared an enemy as they would be condemned as western "capitalist pigs."
Now, these people are envied by the less affluent for their gold plated cars and fabulous mansions.
"Yeah, my daddy bought me this. He's like soooo cheap, its not even made of platinum." - Rich Russian Robert Chekov
Now that Russians have to be less concerned with starving to death, Russians have begun to focus modernizing other issues. Social issues in particular have been shying away from traditional beliefs. Young Russians expose themselves to foreign media and culture, and begin to develop views that could be considered western and liberal; one particularly notable example being the introduction of Hollywood movies. As Russians become more enamored with Rambo and less with Tolvstoy, some core Russian values like straight up extreme patriotism deteriorates. Thus, political groups like Pussy Riot begin appearing. Groups similar to the feminist Pussy Riot group in a effort to try and fix ignorance of their cause. (In a way, this could be patriotism in a different form) They believe their cause is just because similar movements have occurred overseas and initiate the LGBT parades that bring awareness to nontraditional relationships (even if it means persecution).
This is not a United Colors of Benetton ad.