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Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses the role of ‘relational creativity’ to navigate at times of change and uncertainty in rural and urban Mongolia, respectively. It explores the ways in which people forge, maintain, and utilise their relationships with others for their hope, survival, and increased security.

Paper long abstract:

Private networks have been essential for Mongolians since the Soviet era, when people obtained all types of resources through personal relations instead of official channels (Humphrey, 1994; Kaplonski, 2004; Sneath, 2006). After the political and economic transformation in the 1990s, networks still entail the means of survival and increased financial security in post-socialist Mongolia.

Many pastoral nomads have moved into Ulaanbaatar from rural Mongolia for job and educational opportunities unobtainable in the countryside. Such rural-urban migrants often maintain strong connections with their family and friends in the countryside for increased financial security that bring mutual benefits.

Meanwhile, such personal connections with rural pastoral nomads are diminishing amongst some Ulaanbaatar residents who often have connections with their family and friends abroad. Such personal connections spreading across the world create more job and educational opportunities and increased financial security, which help them navigate changes.

This paper discusses the role of ‘relational creativity’ to navigate at times of change and uncertainty in rural and urban settlements, respectively. It explores the ways in which people forge, maintain, and utilise their relationships with others for their hope, survival, and increased security.