About the characteristic features of Russians (territorial and settlement aspect)

Relevance . In the post-Soviet era, changes in the consciousness and behavior of the masses of people became inevitable. The study of the structure of characteristic features (consciousness and behavior) of Russians (both positive and negative) in modern conditions is of great scientific and practical interest. The purpose is to use sociological materials to identify the hierarchical structure of characteristic positive and negative traits (consciousness and behavior) of Russians, including by territorial settlement groups. Objectives : to analyze the assessments of positive and negative traits inherent, in the opinion of respondents, to people of their generation; to identify their hierarchical structure and characteristics by territorial settlement groups. Methodology . The sociological survey and the sampling method, methods of grouping data, their analysis and generalization, and correlation analysis were used. Results . The leading features (both positive and negative) inherent, in the opinion of respondents, to people of their generation are revealed, as well as the relationships between them by territorial settlement groups are revealed. Conclusions . The positive features that have taken the leading places indicate the high potential of humanism and harmonious personality development among the majority of Russians. The negative traits that took the leading places indicate a relatively low level of sociality, social empathy and social responsibility of significant masses of people (according to respondents' estimates). However, the respondents' overall assessment of people of their generation is predominantly positive, which gives grounds for social optimism. At the same time, although the differences between territorial settlement groups in both positive and negative features are not antagonistic, they can be the basis for elements of contradictions and conflicts. Consistent active work of advanced social forces is necessary, first of all, by means of education to strengthen the positive traits of people as a "situationally dominant factor" and a center of attraction, a positive pole, especially for the younger generations.