There has been no research into how the Russian government influences gender (in-)equality and LGBT rights through unofficial instruments. Unofficial instruments, in this thesis, pertains to things...Show moreThere has been no research into how the Russian government influences gender (in-)equality and LGBT rights through unofficial instruments. Unofficial instruments, in this thesis, pertains to things like the absence of hard action against violent homophobic groups and remarks Putin, or other government officials, have made in non official speeches. The research question is: How has the Putin administration, through unofficial ways, influenced gender equality and LGBT rights in the Russian Federation? The case studies used to answer this question, are the reaction to the #MeToo-movement in Russia and the lack of investigation by the government after the anti-gat purge in Chechnya.The case studies are: the reaction to the #MeToo campaign in Russia and the lack of investigation from the government after the anti-gay purge in Chechnya. The #MeToo campaign was not supported by many Russians, even though many Russian women face sexual harassment and the anti-gay purges were a violation of the rights of LGBT people. Both case studies are different, and focus on different groups in society. What the case studies do have in common, is that they show the presence of the so-called ‘traditional values’ in the Russian Federation. These case studies are used, because they show the variety in which the government can counter developments in gender equality and LGBT rights and acceptance.Show less
