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AXIOLOGY OF MODERN POLITICAL ELITE: EXPERT EVALUATION OF ELITE QUALITY OF POWER

P. Karabushchenko, I. Lebedeva, M. Bicharova, L. Podvoisky, R. Rezakov

Abstract

The very nature of the elite phenomenon urgently requires researchers to use an integrated approach, especially in analyzing the system of their core values laid down in each professional community. Since the elite always points to the best that exists in every professional community, the study of the axiological and acmeological data of the elites is the most important condition for any elitological analysis. Empirical measurements can reveal the quality of a particular elite in the current time (“here-and-now” mode). Modern elites exist in the context of globalization and the information society. These two factors have the most direct impact on the genesis of the elites. Therefore, the evaluation of the quality of elites must proceed from the consideration of these conditions of their reality. The secrets of all elites lie in their axiology. Therefore, the main shortcoming of Russian studies of political elites is the lack of analysis of precisely axiological constants. Panel expert survey (2016) revealed some problem areas of modern Russian political and administrative elites. The expert survey included estimates of about 900 representatives of the expert community from more than 25 regions of Russia (the scientists accounted approximately 40%, the rest were representatives of the administrative and political circles, business, culture, education and other groups). In the expert community clearly prevails the estimated position (about 80%) and the insignificant share of apologetic sentiments (11.6%) which is clearly a consequence of the events of the last two years. Particular attention is drawn to the axiological component of the elites revealed during the research. The system of assessing the quality of elites consists of the amount of such indicators as: 1) the values of attitudes and motives of professional activity; 2) advantages and disadvantages of the person; 3) effectiveness; 4) the strength of staying in the elite; 5) elitization of superiority; 6) the level of responsibility. Among the values and motivations of the underlying power-administrative elite, power is in the first place (55.3%), followed by a career (striving for high positions - 54.4%), enrichment (46.6%), opportunity of the access to the wealth of the country (35.0%), the desire to honestly serve the society (5.8%), the desire to win respect of the people (3.9%). About 15% of experts named other values. It is notable that the values containing the moral qualities of the elite subject occupy the last and most insignificant positions - in the first place are still oligarchic installations. The purpose of this article is to clarify the axiological parameters of modern political elites, through the analysis of the expert opinion of the existing authorities quality. The main methods of processing the available empirical material are dialectics and comparative studies.

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