NEVADA UNIVERSITY AND YSU STUDENTS DISCUSSED "VELVET" REVOLUTION AND NEW ARMENIA FROM SOCIOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT

During the discussion headed "Velvet revolution and new Armenia: Sociological Point of View" Professor Berberyan told about the new book, which is already in the process of printing. It is about different social movements and transformations, but because of the deadline the Armenian Revolution is not included there. The Professor is full of hope that he would still write books about the "velvet" revolution.

Speaking about exclusively peaceful nature of the events, Arthur Atanesyan, Head of the Chair of Applied Sociology of the Faculty of Sociology, noted that it was a very interesting situation: "Some states represent us as an aggressor, but throughout the revolution, the world saw the opposite."

Arthur Atanesyan also told us how during the demonstrations with some group of students they made measurements in the Republic Square to find out what kind of groups of people come, what topics they talk about and what position they have.

Prof. Pertch Berbeyan spoke about the spirit of the Diaspora: "The Diaspora was also included, people were very proud and excited. Early in the morning they were awake and watching live broadcasts."

An American-Armenian student from Glendale told us that people came out with flags, closed the streets, and prepared barbecue.

Speaking about the changes, Arthur Atanesyan noted that no economic changes were made.

"We continue to live in the same economic system. More sexual revolution took place. People who were accustomed to hiding their emotions for social and cultural reasons were kissing freely on the streets," - he commented.

Gohar Shahnazaryan, Director of the Center for Gender Studies and Leadership of YSU, speaking about the rights of the man, noted: "We have always talked about the security of the state, but never about personal security. We have always heard that the border is disturbing, and we have stopped discussions on any other issue. This time it was not so."

Professor Pertch Berbeyan underlined the importance of the peace process. The absence of any victims and the clear call of the leader to show respect and restraint to power structures were the most significant achievements.

It was also mentioned that comparisons with the events in Ukraine were wrong. Armenia was neither against or for any foreign force.

Students from Nevada University also noted that, unlike the American active community, the age limit for participants in Armenia was low: here mostly students were, while in the United States people over 35 have an active political position.

Speaking about the participation of women in the process of revolution, Gohar Shahnazaryan mentioned that women have shown an active civic position, but now, as it is seen, mostly men are again in the government, which speaks about the presence of gender stereotypes.

During the discussion, students exchanged views on the social role of women in the United States and in Armenia, with their thoughts and forecasts about the process and achievements of the revolution.