Popova, A. D. Evolution of Public Consciousness as a Factor of Formation of a Civil Society

Abstract: The author of the article analyzes the formation of civil consciousness in Russia. The process of development of a civil society is characterized by the development of market economy, legal state, democracy, high living standards, protection of rights and freedoms and the state of public consciousness. In a civil society not only the state protects the citizens’ rights and freedoms and considers their opinion in the decision-making process but also citizens respect one another’s rights and take an active part in the civil process, elections and execution of justice. Theauthorofthearticleusesstatistical information, results of sociological surveys and historical facts that help to define peculiarities of the legal and political culture of Russians. Intheauthor’sopinion, developmentofcivilconsciousnessis an important factor of formation of a civil society in Russia. The author underlines that Russians usually mistrust the government and disrespect the importance of rights and freedoms of other people. They also tend to use enforcement measures when solving their problems. Russians take an active part in different social practices where the government is not involved and they are rather passive in situations when they have to interact with the government.

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