Russia as Crumbling Traditional Society

Russia as Crumbling Traditional Society


Achkasov V.A.,

Dr. Sci. (Polit. Sci.), Professor, Head of Department of International Political Processes, Faculty of Political Science, St. Petersburg State University., val-achkasov@yandex.ru



For citation:

Achkasov V.A. Russia as Crumbling Traditional Society . – Polis. Political Studies. 2001. No. 3



Abstract
The author tries to answer the question of what are the reasons of the failures of Russian liberalism and liberal reforms. He notes that Russia does not comply with generally adopted rules and demonstrates extraordinary stability of the quality of social relations and of traditional consciousness, even under conditions of most radical changes. Of course, by the relations and the consciousness in question, converted forms thereof are meant, deep-rooted with enormous stability, however, in tradition. So that the “overtaking” modernization in Russia creates just “islands of novelty” in traditional society. The main way to realize this kind of modernization is the so called “imitation”. It implies just imitation of involvement of the whole society into the reforms process initiated by the government whereas society in its majority, structurally and mentally is not ready for radical changes. Breaking abruptly with the past leads to purely symbolic, formal changes and after some time all regains its circles. In this situation, tradition turns out to serve as the determinant of the limitations of the reforms, of their legitimation, of their intensity and direction.

Content No. 3, 2001

See also:


Gutorov V.A.,
Modern Russian Ideology as System and Political Reality (Some Methodological Aspects). – Polis. Political Studies. 2001. No3

Lantzov S.A.,
Russian Historical Experience in the Light of Political Modernization Concepts. – Polis. Political Studies. 2001. No3

Smorgunov L.V.,
The Network Approach to Policy Making and Governance. – Polis. Political Studies. 2001. No3

Rzheshevsky G.A.,
Democracy: Myth, Reality, or Boosted Brand?. – Polis. Political Studies. 2008. No5


DOSSIER: SOCIAL PROTECTION. – Polis. Political Studies. 1991. No6

 
 

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