Short Abstract:

This panel examines the cities on the post soviet space as the territory of distinction, study new/old urban areas (new housing, residential areas, marginalized territories, squats) within, their socio-regulatory modes, self-identification of their habitants and perspectives of development.

Long Abstract:

The cities of the Post-Soviet countries have transformed dramatically since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Soviet model of urban development, based on obligatory residence permits, restrained social and prevented ethnical segregation. But at the same time, forced people to choose living place, connected to their social status. 'Privileged quarters' as well as or so-called 'proletarian outskirts' were widespread in the Soviet megalopolises.

Liberalization of residence regime opened to labor migrants and refuges the possibility to form separate areas in the post-Soviet cities. These changes and transformations created new challenges for urban populations and city authorities, changed forms of social organization in urban areas.

This panel examines megalopolises as a territory of distinction. The main goals of the panel are to study new/old urban areas (new housing, residential areas, marginalized territories, squats) within, their socio-regulatory modes, self-identification of their habitants and perspectives of development.