STATUS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VILLAGE ELDER IN PEASANTS’ SELF-ADMINISTRATION FROM CLOSE OF THE 19THTO THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The article focuses on the research of the role of village elders in rural self-administration at the turn of the 20th century. The article shows how rural elders executed their duties, who was selected as a rural elder, as well as the attitude of the countrymen towards this authority.
 Methodology: In the process of the study, the authors relied mainly on documents of the State Archive of the Russian Federation and the State Archive of the Tambov Region. The retrospective research method, first of all, allowed us to study the participation of rural residents in self-government. In addition, describe the role of the elder and the functions assigned to him in the process of managing the settlement.
 Main Findings: It has been revealed if the country people and elders had conflicts in the performance of their duties. Rural elders were supposed to eliminate arrears of taxes and levies. The article considers the cases when rural elders supported local people in confrontation with superior civil servants. In conclusion, the article estimates the “institution” of rural elders.
 Applications of this study: The results of the study are primarily useful for the formation of a program for the development of the organization of agriculture in the Tambov region. An understanding of the traditions, historical features of the development of the region should be taken into account by legislative bodies and municipal structures when searching for effective management tools. Understanding the features of rural management is interesting for researchers studying similar practices in different countries of the world. For example, the application of researchers involved in local government issues, when comparing the historical experience of different states and regions.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: The study shows not only how the functions of the elders in the process of managing rural territories changed, but also the reaction of the population to various actions of the authorities. In particular, the typical causes of discontent among local residents on the actions of the "elders". However, often these reasons were due to the peculiarities of interactions between elders and representatives of state authorities.