Perception of Civil Identity Symbols in Russia: (Based on Focus Groups)

Abstract

Introduction. The problem of identity is one of the key in both theoretical and applied scientific research of various directions, including in the framework of political psychology. This is largely due to the importance of the formation of common vectors of development of the state, based on the identity shared by most citizens. In this scientific article, the topic of the formation of state-civil identity by means of symbolic capital is actualized, which in turn can both harmonize social relations and introduce dysfunctionality, and be an instrument for mobilizing or polarizing society. The authors attempt to study the social product of the representation and construction of contemporary reality in Russia. Materials and Methods. As a theoretical and methodological research strategy, systemic, integrated and analytical approaches were made. The materials for the scientific work were the results of applied research, in particular, focus group interviews, which, thanks to synergies, allowed us to obtain diverse information about the subject of analysis and to more deeply present its perception. Participants in group discussions were residents of the island. Saransk and two municipal regions of the Republic of Mordovia. Results. Unique data were obtained, on the basis of which it is possible to draw conclusions about the features of the perception of conceptual structures of the formation of state-civil identity in modern Russian society. The difference between the older generation and young people in the perception and symbolic reflection of Russian reality was noted. Moreover, both the sources of obtaining information turned out to be excellent, as did personal and collective positions in determining their own role in the process of creating and assimilating symbols of identity, the level of recognition of symbols of different historical eras, the stability and rooting of the value system. In terms of the perception of symbolic identity elements uniting all age groups of respondents, several phenomena are thematically highlighted, among them “border trauma”, “we are the opposition”, “separation from the powers that be”, “Russian & imperial & Soviet”, “nationalities of Russia = peoples of the USSR” and etc. Discussion and Conclusions. Understanding the specifics of perception of the symbolic-value system of Russians allows us to analyze and evaluate the processes of nation-building and to study the problems of social consolidation. The authors come to the conclusion that the Russians are deficient in spiritual bonds, civil activism is weak; most citizens feel outside the active community.