V.P. Meschersky salon: informal relationship and patronage within the Russian bureaucracy world (end of 19th - beginning of 20th centuries)

Abstract

The paper discusses the phenomenon of patron-client relationship and social exchange in Russian noble salons (end of 19th - beginning of 20th centuries). M. Leonov argues that Prince V.P. Meschersky' salon functioned as an exchange network where actors were connected by a broker. There were often held meetings opened for the top bureaucracy and the representatives of the educated society. By means of the salon many visitors could have acquired promotion for top positions, including positions in ministries, as well as different economical privileges.