How people and organizations require changes: studying the protest actions in Tyumen

Abstract

This paper considers dynamics of protest repertoire in Tyumen from 2008 to 2012. Using the contentious politics approach the authors analyze the forms of contentious collective actions, its dynamic and factors influencing protesters' choice of repertoire. Data for this research was collected from media coverage, observation lists and notifications to local authorities. Data shows that the most common forms of protests of political organizations were meetings and picketing while other forms were not so popular. The protest repertoire of individuals can be supplemented by gatherings, single pickets, road blockings or hunger strike threats. Public arena for contentious actions is dominated by communist organizations; other political parties rarely initiate protests. Repertoire of contention is affected both by cultural and government activity, which can raise or reduce costs of contentious actions.