CITIZEN ACTIVISM IN THE RUSSIAN TRANSITION

Two American specialists on Russia report the results of two nationwid e surveys conducted in that country in 1992 (N = 1,393) and 1993 (N = 1,598). Focus was on rates and types of political activism and their c orrelation with attitudes toward economic and political reform. Conclu sions are that different types of political activism attract different constituencies. People with higher income and occupational status par ticipate in a wide range of activities but are significantly less like ly than others to vote. Those with less to gain from the transition ar e more likely to vote-perhaps a legacy of communism-but take part less in activities which demand high levels of commitment and resources.