Идентичность как коммуникативный проект: «новые мифологии» в пространстве современной культуры

Abstract

The article deals with the “identity” concept from the point of view based on cultural science and philosophy of culture, i.e. in a broader meaning of this notion as “sociocultural identity”. The latter is viewed not as a readymade “givenness” (national, ethnic, regional, local etc.) but as a dynamically forming social relations structure. It suggests inclusion into the researcher’s attention field the theory of structuration by Anthony Giddens as well as various forms of constructivism. Along with different approaches authors of mentioned theories have a point in common: the identity concept plays a specific role in political field connecting group integration models with individuals and groups behavior. Therefore “self-identity experience” (according to an initial identity definition in psychology) evolves into a culturological reflection on experience of this kind and formation of “new mythologies” determining “desirable future” (up to I. Young’s idea about delusiveness of any group identity and, as a consequence, a necessity to get rid of identity discourse). That starts in its turn a mechanism of “new mythologies” feedback effect on new identities formation. Among most common ideas of this kind “network identity” reflecting modern communication practices can be mentioned. “High tech society”, e.g. “transparent society” (D. Brin) is viewed by corresponding concepts authors as an ideal pattern, which could help to conform modern values contradictions by placing them into culture space where differences are recognized, where they have their place. Though analysis of each of the pointed out patterns demonstrates that “demand for differences” repressive potential is not less than fixation on one’s own culture and values exceptionalism. Hence the necessity to overcome an uncritical acceptance of new “identity mythologies” and consistent effort for their balanced estimate.