Title: Social aspects of sustainability: Kitezh case study

Authors: Maria Tysiachniouk, Svetlana Pchelkina

Addresses: Center for Independent Social Research and Smolny College of St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia. ' Center for Independent Social Research and Smolny College of St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia

Abstract: Kitezh case study explores how several families with adopted children are building a sustainable village ||Kitezh|| in Kalujskaya region, Russia. Qualitative research has been conducted using 22 in-depth biographical interviews and participant observation during the expedition, which took place in December 1998. ||Kitezh|| community is the first example of an alternative institution for child development in order to help parentless children. It is a rural working spiritual community and eco-village that provides an education and home with foster families for orphaned Russian children from extreme social situations. Kitezh is a real alternative to the institutionalized care provided by the state.

Keywords: adopted children; sustainable villages; Russia; sustainability; sustainable development; child development; parentless children; rural communities; working communities; spiritual communities; eco-villages; education; foster families; orphaned children; orphans.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.1999.053842

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 1999 Vol.1 No.2, pp.27 - 37

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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