Through Living the Crisis Over to New Forms of Solidarities

Abstract

The final part describes the general social and cultural background to the global crisis of pandemic Covid 19, during which the authors’ work on this book was completed. Attention is turned to key changes in youth life, especially youth daily routine in both Russian and global contexts. New rhythms and schedules of life, psychological and everyday difficulties of coping with isolation, risks of infecting oneself and loved ones, changes in educational strategies, restrictions on mobility and communication with friends, and the emergence of new forms of inequality are the focus of reflection. Lockdown has stimulated the development of online spaces and new forms of self-presentation for young people. We briefly describe the new forms of solidarization of Russian youth which appeared as a result of forced restrictions and risks. Finally, we describe changes in Russian political space in recent years as a result of the authorities’ increasingly restrictive and repressive practices against civic and protest activity among young people. Finally, we outline the Centre for Youth Studies’ new research initiatives for the present and the future.