Protest in the Russian Federation: forms and subjects of activity
Researches of leading sociological organizations exhibit high levels of dissent and a willingness to include protest actions. This suggests that the despite the outwardly peaceful and stable situation in the Russian society is accumulated social stress and dissatisfaction. Article is devoted to the protest activity in the Russian Federation. The research conducts the survey data experts from 22 regions of Russia. The main forms of protest activity are handling, application, picketing or demonstra tions, Internet stocks, flash mob, open agitation against the government, criticism of the authorities. According to experts, picketing and rallies against the authorities' actions are the most effective forms of protest activity. However, in general, the effectiveness of protests experts estimate is not high. Experts from most regions indicate the absence of any change in the course of the protests. In general, the subject of protest actions by the comments of experts, quite extensive - from local actions against the demolition of historic monuments to the All-Russia anti-government actions. A huge impact on the theme of protests has confidence in the authorities, economic development, social policy and environmental situation and the availability of certain centers of protest activity. Analyzing the survey data, there are several areas of protest activity areas: - defrauded real estate investors, housing, sealing buildings; - dissatisfaction with social policy (pensions, benefits, wages and salaries to state employees, etc.); - systemic anti-government rallies; - opposition rallies against the actions of local authorities carried out her policy; - the environmental situation; - the destruction of architectural heritage; - inter-ethnic conflicts; - meetings of social groups (mothers, motorists). The article gives examples of successful and not successful protest campaigns in various regions of Russia. The study shows that protest activity occurs very fast, unpredictable and difficult to control. As the analysis of specific protest campaigns, the most massive inclusion of the people is observed, where restrictions or denial of rights relate directly to their life or public interest. While personal rights and interests are not violated people don`t see points in rallies and demonstrations. Another important aspect of the nature of the protest is that citizens are protesting against the consequences of problems, rather than its causes.