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'Polittusovka' – An Alternative Public Space of Young Politicians in Contemporary Russia
The chapter represents the results of a study of new youth solidarities based on the research of the discussion club ‘Polit-gramota’ in St Petersburg, Russia. The club is analysed as an alternative public space of young people that provides the members with opportunities for professional socialisation as politicians, journalists and activists. It also can be viewed as a collective strategy of overcoming the barriers on the entry to ‘adult’ politics and journalism. By creating this alternative space the ‘Polit-gramota’ members reinterpret the traditional political institutions and make the voice of the youth be heard, whereas in the dominating discourse young people are not actively represented and are viewed as passive subjects of policies.