The Problem of ‘Anomie’ in Russia

Very interesting article from Olga Filina on the threat posed by profound political apathy in Russia, and how it changes a society:

One of the consequences of anomie is the creation of “private” morals that apply to certain groups, who then refuse to have contact with other people and don’t participate in the larger society. Sociologists say that explains both low participation in elections and garbage on the streets. The question is, how governable is a society without norms? Of the two normal means for regulating behavior — laws and morals — neither is working very well in Russia.

This one is worth a read.