Social Mythology in Politics

• Published in: Logos et Praxis 2017-11, Vol.16 (3), p.23-31
• Main Author: Ivanov, Andrey
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; rus
• Subjects: Ideology; Mythology; Politics
• ISSN: 2587-9715
• DOI: 10.15688/lp.jvolsu.2017.3.4

The article shows the link between social mythology and ideology. Modern social mythology and political ideology are presented as similar in mechanism of penetration into the public consciousness phenomena capable of being significant contributors to socio-political development. In social mythology there are two levels – “archaic” and “opportunistic” (“instrumental”). Duplex measurement of social mythology is evident in the functioning of the “global” myths. So, for example, the myth of the hero trends of transformation of social mythology today are demonstrated. The mythology of the images of Stalin in the context of transformation of contemporary social mythology is analyzed: changes in many dimensions are revealed – the ontological, axiological, praxeological. The social mythology is influenced by both internal (internalist) factors and the specific context (externalist factors): social and cultural environment, political situation. The article notes the resemblance of ideology and social mythology. A key criterion in determining the difference between the social mythology and ideology, is not the method of transmission, mechanism of action and targets, and not even the context and the content itself but the content of these phenomena. If the content of social mythology has depth, goes back to antiquity, the ideology only trying to “imitate” the myth, using its capacity to service current, market interests. Despite the fact that the main functions of social mythology in general positive, the penetration of social myths in the scope of the policy will always bear the threat to social development. Currently, the policy becomes relevant predictive function of social mythology and it is important that the public demand for a new social mythology was felt by political elites and transformed into tangible programs and concrete actions. Consideration and comparison of the features of social mythology and, in particular, political myths lead to the conclusion of the dual and contradictory role of social mythology in politics and in society in general. Public demand for a new social mythology and ideology should be felt by political elites and transformed into tangible programs and concrete actions.