The Social Functions of a rural Teacher (on the Example of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic)

Abstract

This article aims to evaluate the social duties of rural teachers, and is linked to an attempt to identify internal non-economic resources to help solve pressing issues associated with village life (including the problems of alienation of fellow villagers, the spread of alcoholism, unemployment, etc.). We set out to test the hypothesis that a rural teacher serves as an active participant in village life. This work is based on the methodological resources of village sociology, sociology of education, as well as approaches formed within the framework of problems associated with social well-being and quality of life. The results obtained from a study based on a semi-structured interview conducted in rural areas of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic (N = 124) allowed for determining both the social functions of teachers and how they’re linked to the specifics of the profession. In addition the article analyzes the role of the village teacher in ensuring the resilience of the villagers. Resilience has been found to be associated with values and norms rooted in village areas (family, health, work, etc.), and often the village teacher is involved in preserving these values and norms. They provide support and assistance in solving a specific social problem (raising children, overcoming difficult life situations, socializing adults and children, etc.). The issue of active participation of teachers in the integration of the village community is also raised. We were able to identify which activities initiated by the village teacher are aimed at consolidating the villagers and their participation in the diverse life of their native village. All participants of the study stated that the integration of the village community is a necessity in this day and age. Such a function of teachers as interacting with authorities and public organizations was also identified. The example of the Altai Territory and the Altai Republic shows that village teachers as a professional group actively participate in solving the village’s problems, acquiring the status of a defender of the village.