"Save the Children!": The Symbol of Childhood and (De)Legitimation of Power in Russian Protests, 2017–21

Abstract:In 2017–21, the symbol of childhood became especially noticeable in the political life of Russia due to the participation of minors in protest activity and the involvement of the age factor in political rhetoric.Based on an analysis of political discourse, media publications, and interviews, the authors conclude that the slogan of saving children served as a weapon in both the legitimation of power and its delegitimation. The opposition criticized the Kremlin for its alleged cruelty towards underage protesters and represented the authorities as outdated. The authorities accused the liberal opposition of manipulating the minds of minors; jeopardizing their health and life; and also carrying out the work of the Western secret services that were trying to split Russian society by age. The Kremlin positions itself as a pillar of strength of not only the physical but also the spiritual health of children.The public opinion survey shows that for the informants the question of whether the authorities protected children or displayed cruelty towards them was important for their evaluation of the legitimacy of power.