Markets and Moralities

This insightful exploration in Markets and Moralities highlights the complexities of post-socialist societies adapting to market economies, revealing cultural tensions and transformations.

In Markets and Moralities, the author examines the profound impact of market economies on post-socialist societies in Eastern Europe and Russia. Before the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, private marketeering was not only viewed as criminal but also as immoral by socialist regimes. With the introduction of Western market-oriented shock therapy, these societies are now grappling with the contradictions between their ingrained moral beliefs and the modern pressures to sell and consume. This exploration delves into how these tensions manifest in everyday life.

The book poses critical questions about the transformation of local cultures in the face of globalization. Will the influx of Western fast-food chains permanently change traditional culinary practices? How has the privatization of land influenced concepts of ownership and exchange among local populations? Furthermore, it investigates the role of new commodities in shaping household dynamics and cultural identities. Through original ethnographic research, Markets and Moralities provides a nuanced understanding of these rapid changes.

As a significant contribution to the literature on post-socialist societies, this book is essential reading for students of anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. It also serves as a valuable resource for professionals and organizations working in Eastern Europe and Russia, including NGOs and development groups. The insights presented in this work highlight the ongoing struggles and adaptations faced by societies in transition.