Neglected Transportation Infrastructure

Author(s)

Gertrude Saxinger, Natalia Krasnoshtanova, Gertraud Illmeier

Abstract

Verkhnemarkovo, a small Siberian town located on an oil field in Russia's Irkutsk region, is plagued by bad roads and limited mobility. This article explores the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the wellbeing of individuals and communities, with a focus on transport and mobility infrastructure. Some oil companies, such as Irkutsk Oil Company, are tied to the sustainability standards of international financial institutions. The article addresses the question of why people are in limbo between the state and local operating oil companies. Contemporary life in Verkhnemarkovo is characterized by so-called infrastructural violence, which results from the lack of state support—or false promises made by the state— and relates to good transport infrastructure. In their complaints, local people recall the Soviet past and expect support from the state or industry.

Organisation(s)

Department of Political Science, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology

External organisation(s)

Austrian Polar Research Institute (APRI), Russian Academy of Sciences, Universität Bern

Journal

Sibirica

Volume

20

Pages

1-45

No. of pages

45

ISSN

1361-7362

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3167/sib.2021.200302

Publication date

12-2021

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

504017 Cultural anthropology, 507015 Regional research, 506010 Policy analysis

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cultural Studies, Anthropology, History, Sociology and Political Science

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Portal url

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/86fb8f61-c199-4119-a919-55dc04703e93