The relationship of economic and spiritual-axiological aspects in the life of the Russian village (an exploratory project in a regional ‘case’)

Abstract

The article presents the results of an exploratory sociological study aimed at identifying the relationship between economic determinants and axiological-spiritual orientations of the rural population (on the example of a specific regional case). In the f irst part of the article, the author explains the categorical apparatus, conceptual foundations and sampling criteria for the empirical study, in the second part briefly summarizes its findings, showing that the financial well-being of the local community has a direct impact on social activity and communicative richness of rural life, level of societal trust, and motivation to participate in public initiatives. Tense confrontation between economic rationality (pragmatic considerations) and moral-ethical guidelines for collective life proves to be a determining factor in the preservation or destruction/loss of local value systems and cultural-historical heritage, and, consequently, in the perception of traditional foundations (on the scale from ‘sacred’ to ‘utilitarian’) and in value conflicts. On the one hand, the study confirms well-known principles of local community sustainability, such as favorable economic conditions as a factor in retaining young workers and effectively reproducing social and human capital in rural areas. On the other hand, the author identifies significant contradictions between (a) the values of environmental responsibility and traditional collectivism declared by rural representatives and (b) the actual economic situation characterized by a lack of material, financial and resource opportunities to realize the declared life priorities. This leads to the degradation of social capital, erosion of local identity, strengthening paternalistic orientation, and decreasing confidence in the ability to influence the situation, which weakens the potential of rural self-government institutions. Thus, rural respondents consider the improvement of economic living conditions not only as a necessary means of achieving material well-being but also as a crucial tool for restoring social and cultural potential of the local community.