Youth tusovka in urban space: a case of KG (Kitay-gorod)

Abstract

The publication presents field materials about a youth group that used to gather in the vicinity of the Kitay-gorod metro station and called themselves KG [kɨgé] or kegeshniki. Currently, this youth solidarity has ceased to exist. The author describes the everyday practices of kegeshniki (consumption of alcohol and other psychoactive substances, socializing and listening to music, spending leisure time together outside of the gathering place, friendships, and sexual relationships), and highlights the difference between the “waves” of this solidarity. The materials also reflect the KGshniki's reflections on these waves and the reasons behind the dissolution of their solidarity. The publication includes texts recorded from participants of various “waves”. The study was conducted by author from 2018 to 2020 using the semi-structured in-depth interviews method. The publication includes fragments from 14 field interviews, structured by categories.