Balynin I.V. The Question of the Political Culture of the Young Generation in Contemporary Russia

Abstract: The object of the research is the Russian youth, the subject is its political culture.The author examines in detail the typology of political cultures suggested by G.Almond and S.Verba, as well as domestic and international experience in the field of promoting participation in elections among the youth. Particular attention is paid to the results of the surveys (conducted in April 2012, October 2013 and November 2014) of the young generation of contemporary Russia on the basis of self-elaborated questionnaire in order to determine the political culture according to the typology suggested by G.Almond and S.Verba. Methodological foundation is based on the following methods: surveys in the form of a questionnaire; comparative, quantitative and critical analysis; synthesis; generalisation; classification, historical and logical methods, as well as graphical method (in the form of a table) for the visual display of the results of the research. The surveys of the Russian youth conducted in 2012-2014 on the basis of the created questionnaire showed that the patriarchal and subject types are inherent to the younger generation of contemporary Russia. The study on political culture showed that today's younger generation is not indifferent to the future of Russia and the processes in our political system. Many young people see themselves as active participants of these processes, they understand the significance of active political position, but somewhat underestimate its inherent rationality and responsibility. The obtained results of the study create a basis to propose measures aimed at developing the political culture of participation among the Russian youth, increasing its electoral activity. At the same time, it is necessary to consolidate the efforts of the family, state and municipal authorities, civil society institutions, using modern information and communication technologies, taking into account international experience, the historical development of the Russian state, the interests and initiatives of the youth.

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