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Between vulnerability and resistance: How a woman copes with dramatic implications of COVID‐19 in Russia

Author

Listed:
  • Lea Katharina Reiss
  • Andrew Kozhevnikov
  • Sara Louise Muhr

Abstract

During the summer of 2020, a woman in Russia not only contracted COVID‐19 herself but also lost her husband to virus‐related health complications and, later, lost her job. This article is based on interviews with her about vulnerability and ways of coping with the pandemic’s effects as the sole caregiver and breadwinner for her 4‐year‐old child. Her ways of dealing with this chain of severe, life‐changing events inspired us to analyze her case through Judith Butler’s feminist lens of vulnerability, conceptualized as the very source of resistance. The results of the analysis illustrate vulnerability and emergent modes of resistance as gendered responsibilities of giving and receiving care, as well as the power of solidarity. Furthermore, the study shows how the political, social, and economic context of Russia shapes gendered experiences of vulnerability and possibilities for resistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lea Katharina Reiss & Andrew Kozhevnikov & Sara Louise Muhr, 2021. "Between vulnerability and resistance: How a woman copes with dramatic implications of COVID‐19 in Russia," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(S2), pages 574-586, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:gender:v:28:y:2021:i:s2:p:574-586
    DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nathalie Clavijo, 2020. "Reflecting upon vulnerable and dependent bodies during the COVID‐19 crisis," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(5), pages 700-704, September.
    2. Lokshin, Michael & Harris, Kathleen Mullan & Popkin, Barry M., 2000. "Single Mothers in Russia: Household Strategies for Coping with Poverty," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 2183-2198, December.
    3. Kate Bahn & Jennifer Cohen & Yana van der Meulen Rodgers, 2020. "A feminist perspective on COVID‐19 and the value of care work globally," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(5), pages 695-699, September.
    4. Anne White, 2005. "Gender Roles in Contemporary Russia: Attitudes and Expectations among Women Students," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(3), pages 429-455.
    5. Meredith Nash & Brendan Churchill, 2020. "Caring during COVID‐19: A gendered analysis of Australian university responses to managing remote working and caring responsibilities," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(5), pages 833-846, September.
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