INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CULTURAL RESEARCH

Grigorii TULCHINSKII

Russia, St. Petersburg
National Research University High School Economics
Professor Dept. Applied Political Theory, PhD, professor

Political Cultures: the Problem of Studying and Typologies

The article explains the limitations of the traditional understanding of political culture. There are shown the possibility of applying experience studying business cultures to the analysis of political cultures. Value-normative model allows to generalize societal and mental approaches and to obtain an operational methodology of comparative analysis of political cultures.

Key words:: business culture, freedom, institutions, justice, norms, political culture, security, values.

References

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Sergey AKOPOV

Russia, St. Petersburg
National Research University High School Economics
Dept. Applied Political Theory, PhD, professor

"Transnational Political Culture": Towards the New Subjectivity

The research of elements of supranational and cross-national in modern political culture involves identifying new characteristics of subjectivity, per se those who carry out specific supranational political consciousness, experience and practices. This article is targeted towards the search and description of the new subjects of transnational political culture in the modern world. Therefore it includes analysis of the three groups: transnational migrants ("transmigrants"), contemporary "global nomads" and "transnational intellectuals".

Key words: political culture, transnational, transmigrants, global nomads, transnational intellectuals.

References

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Valentina FEDOTOVA

Russia, Moskow
Institute of Philosophy of Russian Academy of Sciences
Ph.D, Professor, Academician of the Russian academy of natural sciences
Chief Researcher (Principal research scientist)
Head of the scientific school of "Social Philosophy and Building Civil Society in Russia"

Three Types of Relation to the Politics: Pre-political, Political and Post-political Culture

The author examines two concepts of political cultures — these are, on the one hand, the cultural sociological theory of political performance by J. Alexander, and the theory of power balance by G. Almond and S. Verba, on the other. Both value and cognitive prerequisites of these concepts are revealed. The author distinguishes the two types of concepts — the constructionist concept of J. Alexander and a more objectivistic naturalistic essentialist viewpoint of Almond and Verba. Potential of the joint application of these concepts is discussed. The importance of simultaneous use of naturalistic essentialism and constructionism in the formation of civic political culture is demonstrated. The prospects of building democratic political culture and civil society in the countries in transition are analyzed. The mechanisms of the value and cognitive change, role of the «soft power», media and the Internet, prospects for employment of the balance of power concept in building democracy and civil society in Russia are discussed. The author characterizes the pre-political, political and post-political cultures and argues that it is wrong both not to distinguish between these cultures and to interpret the pre-political and post-political cultures as political.

Key words: politics, performance, ideology, soft power, value transformations, cognitive changes, balance of power, types of political culture, constructionism, naturalistic essentialism, pre-political, political, post-political cultures.

References

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Vladimir SHEVCHENKO

Russia, Moskow
Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Dr, Prof. Leading Staff Scientist

From National Consensus to Modern Political Culture: A Factor of Public Philosophy

Public philosophy plays its part in society as a mediator between academic philosophy and ideological views of different political movements and parties, as is shown in the article. The importance of public philosophy in modern Russia for gaining national consensus concerning the key questions of Russia's development is emphasized. The author concludes that national consensus is sine qua non for creating a modern political culture in Russian society.

Key words: public, academic philosophy, the purpose of philosophy, public philosophy, political culture, politology, political party, national consensus, ideology.

References

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Elena YARKOVA

Russia, Tyumen
Tyumen State University, Department of the Philosophy.
Ph. D, Professor

Political and Legal Culture of the Society in the Projection Methodology Ideal Typing

The article is devoted to the typological analysis of political and legal culture as a value-semantic system. The author distinguishes three types of political and legal culture — traditional, utilitarian, creative. In understanding the sources and nature of the State and law, legal-political traditionalism stems from the ideological principles of «kosmocentrism» or «theocentrism». State and law considered as external to the person, the higher powers. Utilitarianism understanding of the sources and the nature of the State and the law is based on the principles of «sociocentrism» and «anthropocentrism», claiming the idea of popular sovereignty that defines people as creator and owner of any power, and man as the creator of the law. Creative political and legal culture «taking off» position of theocentrism and kosmocentrism, sociocentrism and anthropocentrism claims ideological principle of dialogism, according to which the core and basis of the legal and political aspects of society is dialogue -interpersonal communication. The typological triad is seen as a tool to analyze the political and legal aspects of society.

Key words: political and legal culture, the ideal typing, society, traditionalism, utilitarianism, sreativism, state, dominion, right, freedom, justice.

References

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Svetlana SHMELEVA

Andrey SHCHERBAK

Russia, St. Petersburg
National Research University — Higher School of Economics
Department of Political Science
Master's student, programme «Political Institutions and Innovation»

Russia, St. Petersburg
National Research University — Higher School of Economics
Research Fellow, Laboratory for Comparative Social Research
Assistant professor, Department of Political Science

Trust, Economical Development and Political Regime: Statistical Analysis of Connection

The paper focuses on the relationship between trust level and global competitiveness in the countries that have passed to the innovative economy. The author starts from the hypothesis that trust is the factor in the competitiveness increasing of the economies that have moved or are in the process of transition to the knowledge- based economy. The theoretical part of the paper reflects the various approaches to evaluation of these factors. The authors provide rating, sources for statistical data search and evaluation analysis. The notion of trust is seen as interpersonal and institutional. Global competitiveness is considered as a complex indicator made of twelve items. For the empirical part and study of the quality and intensity of the relationship 56 countries are selected according to the World Economic Forum data (2012). The selection principle is based on the country's economic assessment. Then eight multiple linear regression models are built. The dependent variable is global competitiveness, and independent variables are trust indices, political regime, the rule of law (also introduced a control variable — GDP per capita). In societies with high levels of interpersonal trust — «bridge building» that reduces transaction costs — innovations growth is faster. Additionally, openness of the economy in democracies stimulates the flow of ideas, talent and capital. The combination of all these factors and processes are affecting the growth of competitiveness. The institutional trust also affects the global competitiveness of innovative economies, but in combination with others factors such as the rule of law. The rule of law ensures a stable position of business and investors, encourages confidence in the existing institutions. In this case, the creation of new original products may not be the key priority, but there are necessary conditions for the scaling of existing technologies and products. The authors point end up with some practical implications that could be useful for competitiveness growth in Russia. It is assumed that the role of the trust is really important on current development stage in Russia. Only the presence of trust could promote manufacturing growth and research co-operation development that open access to global markets.

Key words: trust, global competitiveness, innovation economy, authoritarian regime, institutes, strength of weak ties, economy of knowledge.

References

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Lyudmila KLYUKINA

Russia, Petrozavodsk
Petrozavodsk State University
chair of philosophy, Ph.D., professor.

Institutionalization of the Mythologema of Empire in Russian Cultural Consciousness

Institutionalization of the idea of empire in Russian cultural consciousness is connected to the establishment of the concept of the "Third Rome" in Russian medieval texts of the XV–XVI centuries. The article examines two standpoints of the process. From the standpoint of the historiographic tradition (N. V. Sinitsina), the concept of the "Third Rome" represents the Russian version of the idea translatio imperii, formulated with the aim to justify the autocephaly of the Russian Orthodox Church and the new political status of the Russian state as a tzardom and the tzar title of its ruler. From the standpoint of the semiotic approach (Y. M. Lotman, B. A. Uspensky), the concept of the "Third Rome" is interpreted as an organic synthesis of mythological and historical consciousness, conceived with the aim to preserve the ambivalent orientation of Russian culture both to the building of statehood and the development of spirituality. Both approaches to the given problem are complementary. The research of the cultural memory provides insight into the development of the semantic content of the concept of the "Third Rome", while the study of the historical context allows to clarify the ways used to implement this idea. To separate the original meaning of the concept of the "Third Rome" from its cultural processing, the ideal from its implementation, the author refers to the non-classical variant of phenomenology developed by M. K. Mamardashvili and A. M. Pyatigorsky, according to which texts of culture can be regarded as "texts of consciousness". In the context of the given approach, the mythologema of empire is thought of as a phenomenon of consciousness, with Russian consciousness included, designating such an intention of consciousness as sacralization of national statehood. The idea of empire is understood as a converted form of the mythologema of empire. The idea of empire is interpreted as a secondary structure of consciousness, which does not reduce to consciousness and can be considered as a mental structure by means of which the sampling and structuring of intentional availability. The mythologema of empire and the idea of empire can be considered as two different options of the "code" of the development of national culture. This refers to the choice of fundamental orientation of culture: either to creative work or totality. These attitudes are closely connected with such attitudes of consciousness as inclination for either conscious comprehension experience or maximum semiotization of social reality. The existence of this issue itself is of crucial importance for the Russian cultural thinking, as the being of Russia in the world is perceived by national consciousness as a being in the process of formation which admits free creative interpretation of certain primary texts and aesthetic forms.

Key words: "The Third Rome", idea of the symphony of "priesthood" and "tzardom", eschatology, transcendency, mythologema of empire, idea of empire, symbol, sign, code of culture.

References

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Stanislav SULIMOV

Igor CHERNIGOVSKIKH

Russia, Voronezh
Voronezh State University of engineering technologies
Associate Professor, PhD in Philosophy
Associate Professor, PhD in Philosophy, Head of the philosophy Department

Political Models of the Aztecs and Mayas before the Spanish Conquest

Article is devoted to a comparative review of policy models of the Aztecs and the Mayas. The authors note that, if the political model of the Aztecs in the time of acquaintance with the Europeans was still in the process of formation, the extant written and other sources reflect the political regime of the Mayas' decline. Interrelation is observed human representations about the world, his role in the universe, and the political model. In the culture of the Aztecs the main world view subject is connected with the necessity of sacrificial blood for the existence of the Sun. Wars were the main source of prisoners-victims that determined the specificity of the Aztec society. The article considers the mechanisms of social mobility in the Aztec society, and forecasts of the probable development of its structure, if the Spanish invasion did not started. The Mayas' political model throughout its history determined the loyalty the dynastic principle of succession. A monarch of the Maya state in the first place was venerated as a descendant of the founders of his city. It was not possible for the Maya to replace a dynasty. On this basis, the authors explain how and why the only form of political integration Mayan cities was the confederation.

Key words: aristocracy, the Aztecs' state, the Maya' state, ideology, «League of Mayapan», world view, meritocracy, political model, political regime.

References

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Irina VICENTIY

Russia, Apatity
Kola branch of Petrozavodsk State University
Senior lecturer

The Student Body Political Culture (according to a study of the Murmansk region)

Article is based on empirical sociological research of the Murmansk region student body. Its theme fits into the problem field of formation of modern youth political culture. Subject of study are issues of students political culture. The aim is to present regional (Murmansk region) and subcultural (representatives of student community in a small town) features of its. Political culture is considered in accordance with the classical interpretation of G. Almond, as a separate subsystem of the political system of society associated with subjective orientations citizens. Particular attention is paid to its elements as a political activity, party identification, political tolerance.

Key words: policy, political culture, political behavior, political activity, political system, political tolerance, party, party identification, democracy, political consciousness.

References

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Jan Aart SCHOLTE

Sweden, Gothenburg; United Kingdom, Warwick
Faculty Chair in Peace and Development, University of Gothenburg
Professor of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick

A Transculturalist Path to Democratic Global Cooperation

The problem of attaining global cooperation amidst cultural diversity is frequently and often urgently affirmed. However, the main existing prescriptions for handling cultural diversity in global politics — namely, liberal cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism and interculturalism — each have major deficiencies. An alternative politics of cultural diversity — here termed transculturalism — takes a different approach by engaging the divergence of life-worlds not as a problem for global cooperation, but as a positive opportunity for forging creative collaboration. Core principles of the proposed transculturalist framework include intense reflexivity, explicit attention to culture/power links, recognition of cultural complexity, embrace of cultural diversity, cultivation of humility, deep listening, and reciprocal learning for positive change. Transculturalism offers significant promise for furthering constructive global cooperation, although the approach is by itself no panacea, and its implementation faces major challenges.

Key words: cosmopolitanism; global democracy; global governance; globalization; interculturalism; legitimacy; multiculturalism; transculturalism.

References

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Mikhail STEPANOV

Russia, St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Institute of Cultural Research. Researcher
St. Petersburg State University of Technology and Design, Institute of Business Communications
PhD, Associate Professor

The Elements of Media Archaeology

The article discusses the specifics of media archaeological research. The Media Archaeology is committed to seek out and carefully considers the forgotten and obsolete media (if not say technological debris) forms and tactics of different visions of the future. Around research to various media exist several theoretical and experimental approaches, which is common to attempt to show the historical importance of the set of representations of the media and thereby critically destruct of tunnel vision being rigidly defined media and «the» right view on the future. Meanwhile, media archeology is not confined only to the exhumation wonders machine, but there is in tracing genealogical roots navigation becomings these forgotten now media and inherent alternative forms of collective expression and experience. Archaeology media connects media experiences: looking back, she takes a look into the future from the present, revealing a reconfiguration both technological and social relations and forms of modernity.

Key words: media archeology, media theory , media culture , media ecology, machine, S.Zielinski , E.Huhtamo.

References

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Tatiana YURIEVA

Russia, St. Petersburg
Saint-Petersburg State University
Ph.D. in Art Criticism; Professor, Chair of methods and theory of teaching arts and humanities, faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Director of the Contemporary Art Museum named after S. Dyaghilev St. Petersburg State University

Concept of a national hero in art of the USA in XVIII century. Reflection of the myth in living portraits of George Washington

This article is about the problem of formation of national hero in life and art in the USA during American Revolutionary War, War of Independence. This time is extremely interesting for studying due to several reasons. XVIII century is the Age of Enlightenment on the territory of America; it appeared suddenly and became unique, bringing up new contrast into the world art. The hero of the study became George Washington. This president was not just a historical relics for next centuries. His status in American society as "The Father of the Nation" is doubtless. His "Final message", the statements form the conception of what values and principals were vital for the first president of the USA. He helped the nation to perceive its identity. Due to George Washington's character and actions, myphologeme of national hero assumed such concepts as heroism, honesty, patriotism. George Washington is known to take an active part in creating of Constitution and Declaration of Independence. These documents are basic for American law and way of life in the USA to the present day. Any myth needs experiencing and registering. American myphology with peculiarities, with short history in compare to European long one is reflected in art of the USA not only in portrait painting, but also in history painting. For XVIII century the culture of the USA is full of true stories from real history. This myth is performed and perceived by American artists, friends and worshippers impressed by George Washington. The artists Charles Peale, Gilbert Stuart and others depicted the president's image and images of his friends for centuries. Special features of these portraits are described in the article. Reminding of formation of National hero and his reflection in portrait painting is very significant for understanding not only American culture but, for example, Russian one too.

Key words: Washington, constitution, national hero, myphologeme, portrait.

References

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