RUSSIAN SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE REALITIES OF PRIVATE SPACE

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyse and assess the achievements and approaches of the
Russian sociologists studying the private space as a new social reality in Russia. In order to
achieve the stated aims, the authors consider the established theoretical approaches, which are
influenced both by the used sociological tools and by the existing patterns of perception of
private space. The main conclusion drawn from the research is that the study of private space
has its specifics in the Russian sociological thought, as the private space reflects the dynamic
complexity of the Russian society, and the observed changes result in the rejection of
sociological "one-dimensionality" and require analysing not only criteria for social
stratification, but also the subjective activity-related parameters and subjective evaluative
dimensions. On the basis of the comparative analysis of the approaches used in the Russian
sociological thought, the authors formulate the definition of private space as a subjectively
constructed phenomenon, which is also determined by social structural and institutional
parameters. It is emphasized that the recourse to the issues related to private space actualizes
operationalization of the categories oriented to the activity-based approach and the research
into social creativity and the creative class. An important generalization explored in the
article is the legitimation of private space in the subject field of the Russian sociology and its
cognitive apparatus. It is also obvious that the analysis of private space as a new social reality
in the Russian society is important for "self-awareness" of sociology in the context of
creating theoretical models of social action and interaction in the Russian society with a
certain explanatory and predictive potential.