Russian Social Etiquette

Social etiquette in Russia has adapted to the times.

Russian culture has evolved over thousands of years, experiencing great changes and hardships as the country moved out of the pre-19th-century feudal era and into, and finally out of, the Communist revolution. Although the Russian people have learned to adapt to difficult changes in their government and social structure, the social etiquette of the Russians has not changed much, nor have their modes of social interaction.

Forms of Address

Intimate acquaintances use personal forms of address.

Forms of address are paramount in Russian society. One is expected to address one's elders and superiors respectfully, which often means using their first name and patronymic (i.e. name deriving from the person's father's name). Russians also use the formal pronoun of address when speaking to elders, as well as strangers. Intimate forms of address are used only among close friends and family members. To speak otherwise is considered rude.

Food, Drink and Celebrations

A traditional Russian meal with vodka.

Special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings and holidays are always accompanied by feasting. It's common to sit down for a many-coursed meal to celebrate the day, which often lasts hours. The most elaborate rituals concern the drinking of vodka, which is always drunk straight and chilled, accompanied by a pickled food. Toasts are often long and elaborate and can be lighthearted or serious, depending on the nature of the occasion

Public Behavior

Russians commuting in Moscow

Hosts and guests must fulfill their mutual duties without reproach, with hosts showing generosity and guests willing to be pampered. When in public, good grooming and polite deportment is essential, lest one risk being labeled "uncultured" by an elder. Since the collapse of Communism, many young Russians have become rich. Traditionally it was considered good manners to not call attention to oneself. Although wealthy Russians may carry cell phones, wear expensive clothing and jewelry and drive foreign luxury cars, they are often looked down upon by their countrymen for flaunting their wealth.

Family Life

Russian men and women struggle with equality.

Romantic love is acceptable and open, with little stigma for premarital sex or even unplanned pregnancies. Both men and women are expected to date and look for potential spouses at universities, workplaces and nightclubs. During childbirth, men are kept out of the hospital room, and women are expected to stay stoic and refrain from crying or showing pain. During the Communist era, women were expected to work outside the home, but that is changing and now men are stepping again into the roles of providers.

Childhood

Russian children are raised strictly.

Babies, though coddled, are often treated like little adults and scolded for childish behavior like crying, biting or hair pulling. Girls are expected to be quiet and mutually helpful, while boys are encouraged to be boisterous and loud. In schools, academic standards are high, in order to instill culture in Russian children.

References

• EveryCulture: Russia