The Nation of Russia

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Russia’s social society as a whole is very different from that of other countries that surround it. Russia is physically the largest country in the world, and because the people are so widespread the social norms vary from place to place. Also, there are social characteristics that are evident in the cities that are drastically different than those seen in the small villages scattered throughout much of Russia’s rural countryside. The family structure and women’s roles are different in the urban areas than they are in the rural areas. Expectations and responsibilities vary so to study Russian family and gender roles one must find the similarities in rural and urban ways and also find the aspects that make them different. The same concept must also be used in looking at popular recreation in this large country.

Women’s roles and rights have changed drastically throughout history in Russia. In early Russian history women were subject to men and had the typical role of wife and mother with household and child-bearing duties. The husband had control of everything, and anything the wife owned was considered actually considered her husband’s property. However, in the eighteenth century the 1714 Law of Single Inheritance was passed that allowed women to sell her property without her husband’s consent if she chose to. There was much debate over this law, but it stood and opened the door for women to gradually gain more rights and equality in society (Marrese 383). During World War II the majority of Russia’s men went to fight leaving the women to take responsibility for the home as well as the jobs the men left behind. This gave women much more freedom and voice in society. Through the time of the Soviet Union and now in present day Rus...

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... in the 2014 Olympics as well. Bandy is becoming very popular among many nations, Russia being one of the highest.

Outdoor recreation is also very popular in Russian culture. People enjoy biking and fishing and hiking. People also enjoy kayaking and canoeing when the weather is not so cold. During the long winter season people like to ski and ice-skate. Many of these activities people enjoy doing with family and friends. Russia is also home to many national parks that people can enjoy. They are able to go and do some of the activities they enjoy such as hiking and fishing, and they are also able to get away from the crowded and noisy city and enjoy the outdoors (May). Many Russians, especially those that are from the cities, take advantage of these beautiful places to spend time with their families and friends, which is vital to the Russian culture and way of life.

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