Russia's rise in conservative family values | Unreported World

Summary

This episode of 'Unreported World' explores the rise of conservative values in Russia, focusing on the resurgence of the Orthodox Church and its impact on family life. It features the Oceaxe family, who embody the government’s ideal of large, traditional families, and highlights the country's political shift toward nationalism and religious conservatism under Vladimir Putin. The show also delves into controversial topics like domestic violence legislation and the country’s opposition to liberal values. Through personal stories, including those of large families and foster parents, the documentary examines Russia’s changing social fabric and its future trajectory.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Russian government's family policy rewards ultra-fertile parents, with one family having 18 children, as part of a broader push for traditional family values.
• 😀 Russia’s Orthodox Church, revived after decades of persecution under communism, plays a crucial role in the nation's identity and cultural values, especially under Vladimir Putin's leadership.
• 😀 The Cossacks, representing Russia's deep-rooted values of patriotism, God, and family, are seen as guardians of traditional Russian life in the southeast of Russia.
• 😀 Father Yan, a father of 18 children, has become a national symbol of religious conservatism and patriotic family values in the new Russia.
• 😀 The Russian government has introduced a special award, the 'Order of Parental Glory', to encourage large families, with recipients like Father Yan's family receiving recognition.
• 😀 While the government promotes traditional values, there is a concerning rise in intolerance, particularly homophobia, and a rollback of women's rights, including the decriminalization of domestic violence.
• 😀 New media outlets like Tsargrad TV, combining Orthodox Christianity and conservative politics, champion a return to traditional values, rejecting liberal Western ideals.
• 😀 Konstantin Malafaia, a wealthy Orthodox figure, supports the government's stance on traditional values, including the reduction of penalties for domestic violence, and advocates for Russia’s rejection of Western influence.
• 😀 Protests against the decriminalization of domestic violence have emerged, with women challenging the government’s stance on family violence, which is tied to Orthodox Church influence.
• 😀 Russia is encouraging larger families but struggles to address the growing number of children in state care, relying on exceptional individuals like Tatiana Sorokina, who has adopted and fostered over 70 children.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this episode of 'Unreported World'?

The episode explores the growing influence of the Orthodox Church in Russia and how the government has incentivized large families, such as one family with 18 children, while also examining the darker side of this resurgence, including rising homophobia and the erosion of women's rights.

How does the Orthodox Church play a role in Russia's current socio-political climate?

The Orthodox Church, after being persecuted under communist rule, has been revived under President Putin's administration, and now plays a key role in promoting traditional values such as family, patriotism, and religion. The Church has become a significant ally of the government in shaping Russia's identity and policies.

What is the significance of the 'Order of Parental Glory' in Russia?

The 'Order of Parental Glory' is a special award given by the Russian government to parents who have seven or more children and are considered morally upstanding. This award is part of the government's effort to promote large families and address the country's shrinking population.

What is the Oceaxe family's connection to the Orthodox Church and the government?

The Oceaxe family, with 18 children, is celebrated by the Russian government as a model of the new, traditional Russian values promoted by the Orthodox Church. They were awarded the 'Order of Parental Glory' by President Putin and serve as a symbol of the ideal Russian family.

How does Father Yan's family maintain such a large household?

Father Yan's family is able to maintain their large household with the support of donors, including wealthy figures such as the country's richest woman and influential political figures, who want to associate themselves with the family’s values.

What role does Russian Orthodox television play in the promotion of conservative values?

Russian Orthodox TV channels, like Tsargrad TV, promote conservative, traditionalist views aligned with the Orthodox Church and President Putin’s agenda. These channels often criticize liberal values and advocate for a return to 'family values,' including opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and abortion.

How is the government responding to domestic violence in Russia?

The Russian government has proposed a controversial bill to decriminalize domestic violence, reducing punishment from imprisonment to fines. This has sparked protests, particularly from women’s rights groups, who argue that the bill would make it harder for victims to seek justice and protection.

What is Konstantin Malafaia’s vision for Russia, and how does it reflect the influence of the Church?

Konstantin Malafaia, a key figure in the Russian Orthodox media landscape, envisions a Russia that is deeply conservative, rejecting Western liberal values and embracing traditionalism. His views align with the Russian Orthodox Church’s influence on government policies, including support for laws that would limit women’s rights and further entrench patriarchal norms.

How does Tatiana Sorokina's work contrast with the government's push for large families?

Tatiana Sorokina has adopted 48 children and fostered many more, offering a stark contrast to the government’s approach of encouraging biological large families. Her efforts highlight the ongoing issue of child abandonment and the need for more citizens to adopt children in Russia, where 600,000 children remain in need of homes.

What is the underlying message in the episode regarding the future of Russia's values?

The episode suggests that under the influence of the Orthodox Church and President Putin, Russia's future will likely be shaped by conservative, religious, and nationalist values, with little room for liberal or progressive ideals. The resurgence of traditional family values is central to this vision, at the cost of women’s rights and LGBTQ+ freedoms.