Readers' responses to mainstream media articles about women as a reflection of contemporary gender politics in Russia

Abstract

In its unique way, this dissertation joins a complex conversation about gender politics in Russia as well as the role of mainstream media in shaping and channelling them to the audience. Understanding gender politics as the struggle to alter existing gender relations and exploring the notion of power which is central to these relations, this dissertation argues that readers' online responses to news articles about women in Russia accurately reflect the ongoing debate on gender roles and gender-based violence in Russia. Moreover, online discussions provide key sources of the authorities that are responsible for shaping gender politics. The functions of the Russian state, the Orthodox Church and the West explored in this dissertation illuminate the process in which agents of power solidify gender relations and impact public opinion. By examining existing literature in the field and testing its major points with the help of a grounded theory approach to online responses, this project shows the interconnectedness of gender politics and conventional politics in Russia.