Extending the Space of Domesticity in Post-Soviet Russia or How the Dacha is Transforming into a Suburban Home in Moscow Region

Abstract

This article describes the transformation of the ordinary Soviet dacha (a summer country house for urban families) into a suburban home suitable for year-round living. Based on interviews and observations in Moscow Region, the paper shows that the Soviet dacha was a place of labor with limited living space and, in post-Soviet times, it progressively domesticated to a comfortable suburban home with comparatively limited labor practices. Thus, the contemporary dacha space is a second home and social institution for urban families with children as well as for retired people. An intersectional analysis shows that dacha residents are individuals who have the opportunity to be ‘independent’ from the city: retired people, children, and parents who work remotely. The data from an online focus group explain why this place is not an attractive for living among young adults (students) who strongly connected with urban practices and generally prefer an urban lifestyle. However, the image of the ‘future home’ for young adults is a ‘cottage’ or townhouse located close to the city. This means a close suburban home and a comfortable lifestyle could be a future trend even among adults in Moscow Region.