What is happening within the social structure of Russian society? Reviewing Zh. Toschenko’s study “The precariat: from the proto-class to a new class”

Abstract

This peer-reviewed monograph, written by Zh. T. Toschenko and titled “The precariat: from the proto-class to a new class”, analyzes certain factors in the emergence of a new social community – the precariat. A critical analysis of contemporary studies on shifts in social structure is conducted by Russian and foreign authors, which allows for identifying certain specific phenomena and trends. Specified are parameters of the expansion of unconventional forms of employment, the relativity of one’s specialty, the incommensurability of work performed and one’s education and qualification, which produces alternative self-assessments and achievement practices. A lack of a layer of “economic security” and social guarantees for a considerable portion of the population extends the boundaries of this social community, while liberal policy exacerbates the unstable situation. The factual basis of this monograph is so comprehensive that it can serve as a sort of encyclopedia of contemporary labor relations in Russia.