Authors

Discussion

This paper reflects on two qualitative studies conducted in the post-Soviet space. Both studies used the post-modernist framework as well as the method of narrative interviews and thematic data analysis. The researchers reflect on the process of recruitment and fieldwork highlighting the specificities of current settings and circumstances for conducting sociological research in contemporary Russia. The studies also offer an example of non-standard methods useful for researching Homo Post-Sovieticus, particularly within but not limited to post-Soviet context. This paper is the example as scholars from FSU have raised their voices in debates about the future of postsocialism (Müller 2019). We argue that postsocialism – as a particular perspective and a new thinking space – is more alive than dead. The experience of these researches confirms the need for non-standard methods in the study of post-Soviet contexts. Specific projects represent what decisions are made by researchers to study the post-Soviet space. Two projects have demonstrated good explanatory potential of the post-modernity theories as theoretical framework and thematic data analysis. However, to overcome some methodological challenges, the researchers created several strategies in relation to the participants’ recruitment, and interviewing style.