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Evaluating the persistence of subsistence work in contemporary economies Some lessons from Moscow

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Contrary to the view that the subsistence economy is some minor residue persisting in
only a few peripheral enclaves of modern economies, the purpose of this paper is to begin to chart the
importance and prevalence of subsistence work across the contemporary economic landscape and the
reasons underpinning engagement in this form of non-commodified labour.
Design/methodology/approach – To do so, the extent of, and reasons for, subsistence production
amongst those living in contemporary Moscow is evaluated using face-to-face interviews with
313 households in affluent, mixed and deprived districts.
Findings – It was found that subsistence work is a ubiquitous phenomenon which is relied on
heavily by Muscovite households. Until now, those participating in such subsistence work have been
portrayed either as rational economic actors, dupes, seekers of self-identity, or simply doing so out of
necessity or choice. Rather than depict one as correct and the others as invalid, this survey inductively
generates a theoretically-integrative approach which differentiates between “willing” (rational
economic actors, choice, identity seeking) and “reluctant” (economic and market necessity, dupes)
participants in subsistence production.
Research limitations/implications – The paper examines only one city. Further research is now
required into the extent of, and reasons for, subsistence production in the rest of Central and Eastern
Europe, as well as beyond.
Originality/value – This is one of the first papers to identify and explain the ubiquitous persistence
of subsistence work in contemporary economies.

Keywords Russia, National economy, Production economics, Subsistence economy,Self-service economy, Domestic work, Housework, Livelihoods, Moscow

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Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

International Journal of Social Economics

No. Panggil

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Penerbit

: Emerald Group.,

Deskripsi Fisik

International Journal of Social Economics Vol. 39 No. 9, 2012

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Klasifikasi

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Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

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Subjek

EKONOMI

Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

Asmawati/Syahrial

Versi lain/terkait

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