title: Cultural and Political Imaginaries in Putin’s Russia
abstract: Inawidespreadmodelofdemocratisation,theemergenceofaneconomically strongandaffluentmiddle-classwilleventuallyresultindemandsforpolitical and civic rights. Socio-economic emancipation and the acquirement of culturalandeducationalcapitalofthismiddlesegmentisthusexpectedtoengender a will for real political influence, respect for property rights, and better qualityofgovernment.However,whenaffluencetrickleddownfastinRussia duringthefirstpartofPutin'sruleinthewakeofthethenhighpricesonthe energymarkets,