1. Introduction

This chapter introduces the key subjects of the book, and the research project underpinning it. It gives an outline of the chapters in the volume, before turning to an overview of the concept of lifestyle in sociological and anthropological literature. It then examines the regional context specific to lifestyle in Siberia, and then considers the concept of lifestyle in Russian social science literature. It closes with a presentation of the general insights obtained through the course of the research project.