Socio-psychological aspects of the public consciousness militarization

Background. The current existential threats facing Russian society inevitably intensify the processes of its militarization, which makes it relevant to analyze the cultural and historical foundations as well as the socio-psychological conditions of its development. Militarization as a complex multi-aspect concept requires a comprehensive study in a broad socio-psychological context. Objective. The study had its purpose to conduct a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of militarization of public consciousness. Methods. The analysis of the phenomenon under study implemented the method of highlighting key ideas and conclusions contained in scientific publications on the problem over the past two decades, describing the multifactorial picture of the phenomenon determination. Theoretical modeling was also used. Results. Based on the conducted theoretical analysis of the evolution of the phenomenon of militarism in Russian society, a theoretical model has been constructed that comprehensively describes the socio-psychological characteristics of the process of militarization of public consciousness. Conclusions. The presented analysis of theoretical and empirical research on the problem allows to consider the militarization of public consciousness as a natural process developing due to objective political, economic and social factors as well as subjective social representations and attitudes of a person towards paramilitary practices. It is advisable to consider the process of militarization in its two main aspects — as the militarization of society as a whole and as the military socialization of an individual considering paramilitary practices as preferable.