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Origins of Russian Archaization and Strategies to Combat it
Nikolay Kulbaka
Affiliation: Independent Scholar
Keywords: Russian Archaization, Economic History, Societal Modernization, Inequality, Education Reform, Institutional Development, Post-Soviet Transitions, Historical Analysis
Categories: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law
DOI: 10.17160/josha.12.1.1032
Languages: English
The article explores the phenomenon of Russian archaization, its historical origins, and the socio-economic factors perpetuating it. Archaization is evident in practices across various sectors, from economic transactions resembling those of the 1990s to outdated social and educational frameworks. By analyzing Russia's historical trajectory over the past centuries, the article highlights how persistent archaic relations have shaped societal behavior, economic structures, and governance. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of crises, such as revolutions and wars, in accelerating the adoption of archaic survival mechanisms and hindering institutional development. The study examines pivotal periods, including the Soviet era and post-1991 transition, demonstrating how economic shocks, mass migrations, and educational decline reinforced outdated societal patterns. The persistence of these practices, exacerbated by inequality and centralized governance, poses significant challenges for modernization. The article concludes by proposing strategies to combat archaization, emphasizing the need for educational reform, income redistribution, and fostering social mobility as long-term solutions to achieve sustainable modernization in Russia.