Marriage, Household, and Home in Modern Russia : From Peter the Great to Vladimir Putin

Barbara Alpern Engel's Marriage, Household and Home in Modern Russia is the first book to explore the intricacies of domestic life in Russia across the modern period.

Surveying the period from 1700 right up to the present day, the book explores the marital and domestic arrangements of Russians at multiple levels of society and the impact of broader historical developments, such as war and revolution, upon them. It also traces the evolution of marriage, household and home as institutions over three centuries, whilst also highlighting the inter-relationship between public policy and private life, in what is a wholly original historical assessment of domesticity in modern Russia. In addition to this, the author expertly synthesizes all of the key works, arguments and discussions in the field throughout the text in order to help readers map out the historiographical landscape of this compelling aspect of Russian social history.

Marriage, Household and Home in Modern Russia is crucial reading for any student or scholar of modern Russian history.

“Combining the personal with the political, Barbara Engel richly illustrates this history of marriage, intimacy, and family life with poignant voices from individual lives. Every page brings new reading pleasure, and Engel imbues this story with a keen sense of change over time.” —Diane Koenker, Professor of Russian and Soviet History, UCL, UK

“A brilliant demonstration of the central importance of family and gender relations to the course of Russian history over more than 300 years. In lucid prose, replete with sharp insights and vivid personal stories, based on archival sources, as well as the latest research, the book offers both an introduction to the field and a thoughtful interpretation of its subject. A must read for both students and teachers.” —Laura Engelstein, Henry S. McNeil Professor Emerita of Russia History, Yale University, USA