"I Don't Know, I Wasn't There": The Possibility of Knowing in a Depoliticized Society

Abstract

In spite of the pervasive influence of propaganda and conspiracy theories in Russia, qualitative interviews demonstrate Russians' preference for first-hand, factual knowledge. In this article, we draw on the sociology of scientific knowledge to analyze this phenomenon. We conclude that the imperative to "be there" and "see with one's own eyes" is a discursive device that helps people avoid political polarization while reflecting and reinforcing depoliticization.