Security in the worldview of Russians

• Main Authors: Zinchenko, Yury P., Zotova, Olga Yu.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University 2014-03-01
• Series: Psychology in Russia: State of Art
• Subjects: security; world picture; ordinary consciousness; typology; security factors
• Online Access: http://psychologyinrussia.com/volumes/pdf/2014_1/2014_1_50-61.Pdf

This article deals with the role of security in shaping an individual’s standpoints, opinions, attitudes, and unique world picture. It is argued that security/insecurity is a subjective notion of individuals about the absence/presence of threats to their existence. The results of a study of the security notions maintained by Russians are described. The data obtained give grounds to suggest that the following characteristics exist in the ordinary consciousness of Russians: security is perceived as a state associated with inactivity; security is seen as the basis of harmonious interpersonal relations; security is considered a kind of “ideal world” and is understood as powerful. A typology of Russians based on the specifics of these security notions is presented.