Middlesex University Research Repository An open access repository of Middlesex University research http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk Altman, Yochanan (1983) A reconstruction, using anthropological methods, of the second economy of Georgia. PhD thesis, Middlesex Polytechnic. Available from Middlesex University’s Research Repository at http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/6603/ Copyright: Middlesex University Research Repository makes the University’s research available electronically. Copyright and moral rights to this thesis/research project are retained by the author and/or other copyright owners. The work is supplied on the understanding that any use for commercial gain is strictly forbidden. A copy may be downloaded for personal, non-commercial, research or study without prior permission and without charge. Any use of the thesis/research project for private study or research must be properly acknowledged with reference to the work’s full bibliographic details. 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A Reconstruction, Using Anthropological Methods, of the Second Economy of Soviet Georgia Yochanan A] tman ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the second economy of Soviet Georgia by reconstructing aspects of its social organisation and the workings of selected examples of second economy activity. Since its principal research mode is participant observation, this involved living for over a year within a community of recent migrants from Soviet Georgia to Israel. This experience offered opportunities: a) to gain access to everday behaviour in order to establish that culture's basic values, and b) to build up detailed and cross-checkable case studies. In so doing, it aimed to exploit the resources of a living community by treating it as a data-base. Its further aim, however, is not merely to obtain details of cases and to understand these by placing them in their cultural setting. These cases, when considered against the background of a people's mores and values, provide the building blocks which allow us to understand the wider formation of which they are a part. The study then aims to engage in the secondary analysis of these cases in order to construct a model of Soviet Georgia's system of second economy production and distribution. While traditional explanations focus on Georgia's natural resources as the major reason for its flourishing Second Economy, this study looks at primary cultural patterns and daily behaviour conduct which underlie the social expressions of a people. It then identifies the Social Support Network as a focus of personalised relationships in Soviet Georgia. The Social Support Network is also the power base of Second Economy activity. The way the network operates and the shape it takes determines the scope of its operations and the ability of members to functioias agents in that economy. After setting up the core values of Soviet Georgia's society and their manifestations in the Second Economy, two detailed case studies examine the structure and operation of the production and distribution of goods. These are supplemented by six accounts of crisis events which allow us a close look into the way the informal system copes with emergencies. All of this enables a reassessment of Soviet Georgia's Second Economy, the sources of its rapid expansion and unrivalled success in the Soviet system as well as possible future developments. CONTENTS Acknowl edgements Abstract PART I: THE RESEARCHQUESTION AND THE METHODOF INVESTIGATION Chapter 1: Introduction to the Research Chapter 2: Methodology Chapter 3: The Sample and its Typicality PART II: THE CULTURALBASES OF SOVIET GEORGIAAND ITS SECONDECONOMY Chapter 4: The Core Values of an 'Honour and Shame' Culture Chapter 5: Networks and Feasts PART III: PRODUCTIONAND DISTRIBUTION: CASE-STUDIESAND THEIR ANALYSIS Chapter 6: The Factory in the Second Economy Chapter 7: The Store in the Second Economy Chapter 8: Crises Events PART IV: CONCLUSIONS Chapter 9: The Second Economy in its Social and Political Contexts Appendices Bi bl i ography To my wife, Michal, with love and thanks, You followed me to the wilderness, through a land that had not been sown. ACKNOWLEDGEMMS I am only too aware of the enormous: "debt--that. I owe,.to the maby people and institutions who helped me along the way in this r esea7r.6cý. First of all, I wish to thank my Supervis, br.,., Dr...GeraldýMars. W.i. thdut wishing to be trivial, I dare say that nevo"t before in mý'profes. si. ana:l career and studies, have I been so indebtod to one perso. n:Jor-so Much. Dr Mars introduced me to the field of the Second (hiddel economyand 'he initially suggested I embark on this particula"r'-project.. H.e-. also traiiedn me 'on .: fn the job' - as ethnographer and monitored my progress the'field through regular weekly telephone calls. He visited me twice in Ashkelon when I had the benefit of his active cooperation and valuable suggestions. During the writing-up period he generously gave a great deal of his time and attention. Above all, he has been a good friend and mentor - and I have not met many students who can say this of their personal supervisor. I am likewise indebted to Dr Geoffrey Dench. He was good enough to read through the chapters in draft and profered useful, constructive criticism. His good advice and support helped considerably especially over the last few weeks of writing-up when my morale needed boosting. Professor Peter Wiles can, rightfully be acknowledge as the 'Godfather' of this project. I would like to express my warm thanks for the many kindndesses I have received from him, particularly at the onset of the project, when he introduced me to the Soviet economic scene. He generously put at my disposal his private library and personal files "just as if I was a visiting Russian professor. " During my time in Israel Professor Emanuel Marx advised me throughout my stay and his help was invaluable especially in the early, delicate, stage of entrance to the field. Also, Professor Gur Ofer who introduced me to the 'Russian Circle' of the Hebrew University; Professor Harvey Godberg and Dr Theodor Friedgut who offered their experience, contacts and important references were especially helpful. In England, I benefited from the small community who have first-hand knowledge of the land of the Golden Fleece. They helped me with Soviet and Georgian publications and were always willing to give guidance and support. In particular I would like to thank CJ Peters, whose friendship I cherish, and Robert Parsons. For help with languages, I thank Gershon Ben-Oren who assisted me in Russian and Georgian and Ron Heisler who improved my English. I gratefully acknowledge the various forums that allowed me to present my work at its various stages, and test out ideas: Dr Mars' seminars, the seat of the Centre for Occupational and Community Research network; the Western Slavic Association in the USA and Professor Gregory Grossman who invited me to present my work there; the University of Birmingham, Depart- ment of Sociology, organizers of the International Conference on Corruption and the Jerusalem University informal Russian bi-weekly seminars. For financial support, I am greatly indebted to the Nuffield Foundation, who showed faith in what at the time must have seemed a risky project. They tendered me a Research Fellowship and kindly backed me for two and a half years on a full-time salary; the Maurice Sagman Memorial Fund facilitated my last few months of writing-up with a generous grant. The Anglo-Jewish Association and the Association of Jewish Refugees also deserve my thanks. Throughout the project, I received sound administrative back-up for which I am very grateful. Elisabeth Willmottfor wisely guiding me through the bureaucratic maze; Daphne Clench of the Social Sciences Research Faculty, for her cheerful manner and unswerving efforts, the Enfield Library for supplying me with massive stocks of publications at such short notice; the Enfield switchboard operators for their extra efforts on the London-Ashkelon line and Rosemary Shaw who struggled admirably with my weekly tape recordings. I should like to record my gratitude to Marguerita and Chris of Logitext Word Processing Services, for their indefatigable efforts on my behalf. In spite of a pressurized deadline they typed, edited and expertly presented the thesis. Their unstinting comments helped to highlight many weakspots. And for my numerous informants whom I am unable to name and on whose experience this study is based, they shall remain anonymous as they would undoubtedly prefer. I can only express my deepest love and admiration to the many Georgian Jews who help to transform the age-old Jewish dream into a contemporary reality. I wish them the best of luck in their old- new land and I promise to be around to offer the little I can to help them complete their voyage successfully. A Reconstruction, Using Anthropological Methods, of the Second Economyof Soviet Georgia Yochanan Altman ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the second economy of Soviet Georgia by reconstructing aspects of its social organisation and the workings of selected examples of second economy activity.