Russia's Economy of Favours: Blat, Networking and Informal Exchange

by Alena V. Ledeneva

This book examines the little-known phenomenon of blat--the use of informal contacts and personal networks to obtain goods and services under the rationing that pervaded Soviet Russia. Alena Ledeneva analyzes the historical, socioeconomic and cultural aspects of blat, and explores its implications for post-Soviet Russia. The political and economic reforms introduced since the collapse of the Soviet Union have radically affected everyday practices, but an understanding of blat remains crucial for interpreting the social, economic and criminal problems that affect the development of a market economy in post-Soviet Russia.

Genres: Russia, History, Cultural, Nonfiction, Politics

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book, helped me a lot with writing my thesis!