Table of Contents

Chapter 1. The Power of Sex: Culture, Gender, and Political Legitimacy
Chapter 2. Putin the Sex back in Politics: Gender Norms, Sexualization, and Political Legitimation in Russia
Chapter 3. Who's Macho, Who's Gay?: Pro- and Anti-Kremlin Activists Gendering Russia's Political Leadership
Chapter 4. Fight Club: Gendered Activism on Patriotism, Conscription, and Pro-Natalism
Chapter 5. Everywhere and Nowhere: Sexism and Homophobia in Russian Politics
Chapter 6. When Pussy Riots: Feminist Activism in Russia
Conclusion. "The First Time, Do it for Love": Sexism, Power, and Politics under Putin
Appendix: Methodology
Bibliography
Index

About the Author

Valerie Sperling is Professor of Political Science at Clark University. She is the author of Altered States: The Globalization of Accountability and Organizing Women in Contemporary Russia: Engendering Transition.

Reviews

"[T]he combination of a strong conceptual grounding and analytical framework makes Sex, Politics, and Putin a robust and engaging example of what Area Studies can be at its best and a volume that will interest scholars of both gender and politics and Russian Studies. It works for both advanced undergraduate and postgraduate courses in these fields and for courses on gender and sexuality more widely given the almost universal salience of the topic and
the persuasiveness of Sperling's analysis and conclusions." -- Cai Wilkinson, Global Discourse
"Valerie Sperling provides a valuable and comprehensive examination of the use of gender norms in Russian politics. Sperling goes well beyond the ubiquitous imagery of a half-naked Putin on horseback or the scantily clad 'Medvedev Girls' in arguing that gendered structures of legitimation affect regime and opposition in equal measures...Sperling's careful analysis and lively prose should serve as a valuable introduction for students of gender politics, as well
as a helpful corrective for seasoned observers of Russian politics who downplay the significance of gendered norms as an interesting sideshow."
--The Russian Review
"Sex, Politics, and Putin is not only one of the most important books on gender politics in Russia, but on Russian politics more generally. It makes the case that norms of masculinity and patriarchy constitute an important element in the legitimation of Vladimir Putin's rule in Russia and that opposition forces employ the very same set of norms in their efforts to undercut the regime's dominance. Anyone who wants to understand Russian politics should
read this book." --Henry E. Hale, George Washington University
"Accessibly, even humorously written, this account of recent Russian politics offers vivid insights into the broader domain of manipulating perceptions of sexuality and gender difference to secure political legitimacy. As a result, American readers will not only gain a better understanding of Putin's posturing and Pussy Riot's protests, but also see our own discourses of power and credibility in a new light."
--Myra Marx Ferree, University of Wisconsin-Madison
"I recommend this provocative, innovative feminist analysis of politics in Putin's Russiato all Russia observers, students of scholars of women's and gender studies, and anyone trying to make sense of the Russia/Ukraine crisis. Sperling's insight into the foreign policy implications of misogyny, combined with her interviews with current Russian feminists, makes Sex, Politics, and Putin a must-read."
--Cynthia Enloe, author of Seriously! Investigating Crashes and Crises as If Women Mattered
"...this important book highlights how gender and power are inextricably linked."
--L.J. Roselle, CHOICE
"Sex, Politics & Putin is the most comprehensive illustration of the regime's gender-based legitimation strategy to date, and is a must-read for those who strive to understand Putin's Russia."
--Gulnaz Sharafutdinova, Perspectives on Politics
"Valerie Sperling's well-researched and well-documented study provides an important and different lens through which to view and analyze the current neo-cold war conflict between Russia and the West. It is a significant addition to the literature about the current Russian leader, his policies, and the future of his country."
--Rochelle Ruthchild, Women's Review of Books
"Sex, Politics, and Putin presents a goldmine of examples of how discourses on gender and sexuality are an integral part of contemporary Russian politics. This book is a must read for scholars of Russian politics and an engaging and accessible read for anyone interested in why bare-chested photos of Putin have become so popular."
--Mobilization, Courtney Doucette, Rutgers University
"lSex, Politics, and Putin is a must-read for scholars studying the politics of gender in Slavic studies...Its rich engagement with interdisciplinary studies, anthropology, and cultural studies also makes a substantial contribution to political science. Beyond this, her work raises a series of compelling questions about politics, commodifi cation, political agency, and new protest repertoires that will interest a broad range of readers."
--Julie Hemment, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, lSlavic Review