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The collapse of communism has opened up Russia and East-Central Europe to outside influences and enabled new lifestyle choices and forms of religious expression. Based on extensive ethnographic research, this collection uses a variety of theoretical perspectives and methodologies to examine some of the many subcultures and new religious movements that have emerged as part of this process, from members of utopian eco-communities, native-language hip-hoppers and nationalistic skinheads to various forms of Indian-inspired spirituality, neo-paganism and theosophy. Whether they reflect a growing sense of national or ethnic identity, the influence of globalization or a combination of the two, such groups highlight the challenge of creating a free, open and tolerant society in both Russia and new or prospective EU member states. The book seeks to contribute to academic and policy debates in this area by increasing understanding of the groups in question.
The studies in this collection present selected findings from the three-year EU-funded project 'Society and Lifestyles: Towards Enhancing Social Harmonization through Knowledge of Subcultural Communities' (2006-2008), which included partners from a wide range of post-communist countries in Eastern Europe and from the UK.

Subcultures and New Religious Movements in Russia and East-Central Europe

Contents: Egidija Ramanauskait : Preface - George McKay/Michael Goddard: (Post-)subculture Theory, and Practice in East-Central Europe - Alexander Salagaev/Alexander Shashkin/Alexander Makarov/Rustem Safin: From Local to Glocal: The Transformation of Delinquent and Radical Communities in the Tatarstan Republic of Russia - Elena Omel'chenko/Al'bina Garifzianova: Skinheads as Defenders of Russia? Power versus Friendship in Xenophobic Youth Subcultures - Tadas Kavolis: Lithuanian Nationalist Skinhead Subculture: The Features of Identity - Maarja Kobin/Airi-Alina Allaste: Hip-Hop in Rakvere: The Importance of the Local in Global Subculture - Isabela Merila/Michaela Praisler: Textually Constructing Identity and Otherness: Mediating the Romanian Hip-Hop Message - Daniela Sorcaru/Floriana Popescu: On Linguistic Politics: The Stylistic Testimonies of Romanian Hip-Hop - Egidija Ramanauskait /Rimas Vaisnys: Lessons from a Lithuanian Hippie Paradise Glimpsed through a Keyhole - Radoslav Hlúsek: Euro-Indians in the Framework of Slovak Society - Martin Priecko: The Formation of the Zájezov á Community: Ideals and Reality in a Slovak Eco-Village - Neil Foxlee/Christopher Williams: New Religious Movements in Post-communist Russia and East-Central Europe - a Threat to Stability and National Identity? - Christopher Williams: The Fight for Religious Freedom and Pluralism in Post-communist Russia - Hilary Pilkington/Anton Popov: Understanding Neo-paganism in Russia: Religion? Ideology? Philosophy? Fantasy? - Dusan Deák: Spirituality in the Post-communist Religious Marketplace: Indian-inspired New Religious Movements in Slovakia and their Conceptual Framework - Milda Alisauskien : Spirituality and Religiosity in the Art of Living Foundation in Lithuania and Denmark: Meanings, Contexts and Relationships - Anita Stasulane/Janis Priede: The Reconfiguration of Values and Beliefs: A Study of Contemporary Theosophy in Latvia - Silvia Letavajová: A Content Analysis of the Representation of Islam and Islamic Culture in the Slovak Media.