Izgoistvo and marginality in the social space of Ancient Russia

The present article considers the problem of the use of the concept of marginality in historical science. Its also analyzes a phenomenon in the social space of ancient Russia and a possibility of considering izgoistvo (the outcast status) as a manifestation of marginality. The word izgoistvo referred to representatives of different social groups in Ancient Russia. The term izgoi (outcast) could be used for defining a person ransomed from slavery, an illiterate clergyman, a prince deprived of his land etc. The etymology of the word izgoi is connected with deprivation of the clan membership and has a negative connotation. The specific position of izgois in society is emphasized in historiography. It is noticeable that izgois, slaves, orphans or enemies in Russia had a typological analogy with strangers, they found themselves isolated and were often seen negatively or leniently in society. Therefore, izgois could be regarded as marginal persons. Although marginal persons often demonstrate deviant behavior, their most important task is not to confront the society, but to find the rightful place in it. Despite the fact that the concept of marginality was not used in Ancient Russia, it can be regarded as a convenient tool for historians trying to cognize the past. This article focuses on izgoi princes. The increasing number of princes from the Ryurik clan resulted in the fragmentation of the princes' domains, the rules of inheritance became complicated, and many princes did not receive a domain, or their domains were seized by more powerful princes. From the socio-psychological point of view, many princes felt insecure and occupied a marginal position. There was a great deal of diversity in behavioral characteristics of marginal persons. Taking into account the fact that princes belonged to the high and very active stratum of society, the following behavioral characteristics activating in the state of uncertainty can be identified: aggressiveness, anxiety, ambition, sensitivity. Subjective characteristics of marginal persons, such as moral dilemmas, psychological duality, are also applicable to izgoi princes. Such "disadvantaged" princes became very aggressive and tried to restore their rights on clan inheritance. Though izgoi princes often initiated cruel intestine wars, the status of unfairly disadvantaged persons guaranteed them the sympathy of chroniclers and the population. The Christian idea of humbleness and love, based on the cult of Saints Boris and Gleb, contributed to the fact that a number of princes accepted the decline of their status. Princes unable to accept new conditions turned into robbers and tramps, took a deviant position and disappeared. The final conclusion of the article is the idea of the productivity of the concept of marginality in the study of medieval history. This concept allows not only explaining why people from different social groups could be called izgois, but also identifying general psychological and behavioral dominants of people who got into an uncertain, critical social and psychological situation. Izgoi princes had to find a new place in the social system or disappear.

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