DOI: 10.25136/2409-7144.2021.2.32421

Abstract: This article is dedicated to examination of the dynamic aspect and mythological dimension of social memory. The structure of the latter distinguishes the two levels – “archaic” and ”conjunctural”. The “archaic” level plays a determinant role for the current functionality of mythology , including the mythology of family memory, which is interrelated with such spheres of everyday life as life, work, and recreation). The transformation of family mythology is viewed on the example of manifestation of myth-containing phenomena, such as the sacred leader (hero) and the victim, in everyday life. The following changes are indicated: the representations on causality and ratio between the part and the whole are imparted sacred meaning, while the representations on space and time are being rationalized. The systematic approach was applied towards studying the mythology of family memory. The theoretical conclusions are reinforced by the results of analysis of a series of narrative interviews conducted among the residents of Lipetsk Region about the history of their families. It is established that the basic (constitutive) events for the mythology of family memory indicate more abstract and profound phenomena (for example, hero or victim) than for the social memory. Special work is required for identification of these phenomena and further reconstruction of the mythology of family memory in each particular case. Special attention is given to observations of one of the respondents on the miracle as the phenomenon immanently inherent in life.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2019.10.31004

Abstract: The emergence of avant-garde and formation of the explicit social mythology is associated with the active political processes in social life of the XX century. It is noted that avant-gardism and social myth are united by implementation of the project and manipulative functions, which contribute to appearance of the mass man on the forefront of social life. The main instrument in the avant-gardists’ and mythmakers’ fight for dominance over public consciousness becomes the insidious symbolic, appealing to the archaic through masterly use of political and artistic conjuncture. The modern social myth represents danger, mostly because of jangling the meaningful symbols, it is involved in mythmaking and mythologized processes, thus enhancing manipulative effect on a human. The author explores such elements of social mythology as the processes of mythologization and mythmaking; compares the functions of social mythology and avant-garde. The appearance of the mass man on the forefront of social life of general public with the own group mythology contributed to the true emergence of avant-garde and social mythology. The author comes to the conclusion that at the present time, same as a century ago, art is a part of social processes; the new forms of art factor into communication revolution, while the myth – through the contemporary mass media – translates a suggestive function.