"TRADITIONAL VALUES" FOR THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VALUES, PRACTICES OF HELPING BEHAVIOR AND IDEAS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF TWO GENERATIONS OF RUSSIANS

Abstract

In the context of the changing ideological orientations of Russian politics, its interpretation by modern Russians is of interest. We focus on two generations – one has already had the experience of living through fundamental transformations in the 1990s, the second is witnessing fundamental shifts for the first time. The article presents the results of an empirical study carried out in the logic of mixed methods research, aimed at understanding the intergenerational value transformations taking place within the age cohort of today's adult citizens of Russia. The survey results (N=600), which capture values, image of the future, and practices of prosocial (helping) behavior, are compared with the interview data (N=60), which reveal the meanings that representatives of two generations put into values and practices that are significant to them. Although there are some quantitative differences from the older generation in the value profile of young people, mainly due to age factors, representatives of the younger generation also demonstrate the specificity of the meanings attached to the interpretation of a number of values. While individualistic values are more important for the younger generation, their representatives demonstrate no less, and in some cases, greater, involvement in practices of helping behavior and volunteerism. It can be assumed that it is the transformation of meanings that allows the values of personal focus (individualistic) to motivate prosocial behavior. However, the revealed narrowness of the time perspective and the low level of social optimism act as a threat to the consolidation of prosocial patterns inherent in youth.