Abstract: This article is focused on evolution of the phenomenon of virtual elite. The successful span of stratification within the network community is possible through the analysis of the structure of Internet community using the methods of network analysis. However, constant changes in the network structure alongside the evolution of factors determining the development of network, require the preliminary detection of its dynamics on the theoretical level. The subject of this research is the dynamics of conceptualization of the phenomenon of virtual elite, while the object is the phenomenon of stratification in the virtual world. The author provide a detailed analysis of the most important concepts and theories of the Internet elites, based on which the notion of the contemporary virtual elite of the Web 2.0. is being conceptualized. Special attention is given to the specificity of network community, virtual reality, and technologies Web 2.0. as the factors affecting the dominance of separate groups in the Internet. The work is dedicated to conceptualization of the category “virtual elite”, and therefore, methodologically leans on the theories of technocracy, meritocracy, netocracy, classification of network culture of M. Castells, concept of virtual reality, and concept of creative class of R. Florida. The scientific novelty consists in the comprehensive examination of dynamics of the phenomenon of virtual elite and theoretical concepts, which at different staged of Internet development, revealed the specificity of network stratification. In conclusion, the authors determine the modern structure of the Internet-strata, factors that define this structure, as well as highlight the main characteristics of the contemporary virtual elite.

Keywords: meritocracy, virtual reality, Internet, information society, network society, netocracy, ruling class, elite, virtual elite, network elite

Abstract: The main goal of this research is the attempt of the in-depth and comprehensive analysis and metaphysical contemplation of the nature of elitism based on the elite qualities of the “gilded youth”, because namely this category can have one of the most vivid and accessible to understanding of the exit channels on metaphysical foundation of the elite existence. Thus, the subject of this work is the possible metaphysical foundations of elitism of the “gilded youth”, and in a more broad sense, of other authentic elites; while the object is the “gilded youth” itself as escaping the scientific analysis exclusive social group. The methodology of this research includes the examination of ontological, archetypal, existential, and phenomenological aspects of the nature of elite being and socio-spiritual experience of the “gilded youth” as a particular variety of the elites. The ontology of “gilded youth”, as firstly demonstrated in the article, is based on such status and quality as perfection and sublimity. Such perfection is expressed through the number of personal features of the representatives of “gilded youth”, among which we can name naturalness, openness, physical beauty, health, etc., which underline the superiority of this elite group on the social and bodily levels. The metaphysical basis of these qualities of “gilded youth” is derived through the prism of the two philosophical concepts – Theory of “World Axis” and Theory of Karma.

Keywords: World Axis, idleness, perfection, metaphysics of elitism, elitization, elitology (elite studies), elitism, gilded youth, karma, seventh petal

Abstract: The subject of this research is the sociopolitical system of the Republic of Tatarstan and Republic of Bashkortostan as the most active in Russia’s political arena in the area of youth policy and development of the youth political institutions. Special attention is given to the notion of “civil activeness” established on the level of cognitive perception of young people and all citizens, as well as serves for optimal reflection and realization of the necessary actions, which must provide the orientation towards success, self-organization and self-activity of an individual, expressed in purposeful actions regarding the social life in its various manifestations for the support of integrity of the community and its institutions.  The article carries out a comparative analysis of development of the political institutions in two regions of the Russian Federation. The main conclusion consists in the necessity of establishment of the quality communication component of interaction between the bodies of government authority and youth political leaders. The author underlines the importance of information interaction in the conditions of general agenda within the framework of horizontal and vertical communication, as well as significance of involvement of the youth political leaders into the project activity as one of the most constructive work formats under the existing circumstances. The results of this study can be applied for the development of the system of youth political leadership on the regional level.

Keywords: civil activity, youth of the region, communication, project activities, sociopolitical system, youth political leaders, school of politics, personal competence, youth leaders, region

Abstract: This article is prompted by the 30-year anniversary of the “Perestroika”. The object of the research is the first secretaries of the regional, municipal, and district committees of the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League (Komsomol) of Tambov region during the period of 1985-1991. The subject of the research is the main stages of social evolution of the body of first secretaries of the regional committees of Komsomol, as well as the ideological and organizational aspects of its establishment and activity. From the authors’ perspective, it allows us to determine the organizational prerequisites of the successful and crisis moments of the work of Komsomol, drastically change the perception of the image of the Soviet youth leaders, and help the modern public communities, political parties, and government facilities to develop an effective youth policy. Tambov Oblast represents a typical region in central part of Russia. The traditional to Soviet system forms and methods of human resource policy were implemented in the region. Thus the study of the history of the regional Komsomol organization allows projecting multiple results of the research upon the history of other regions. The method of prosopography – creation of collective biographies and determination of a certain circle of people by means of similar questions, is being used in the course of this work. The authors closely follow the point of view of Lawrence Stone, who believed that prosopography is the investigation of the general characteristics of the historical actors that pertains to two key issues: 1) the way they implemented the political acts; 2) the ways and versions of social mobility and realization of their career goals.  In order to compile the collective portrait of the Komsomol officials of the late USSR, the authors analyze personal cases stored in the state archives of the socio-political history of the Tambov Oblast.  

Keywords: restructuring, Komsomol, the youth, first secretaries, PROSOPOGRAPHY, nomenclature, elitovedenie, regional studies, Chronology, Tambov Region