Image of the Republic of Mordovia: Impressions, Symbols, Stereotypes

Introduction. In a competitive environment, the image of a modern region is an instrument of “soft power”, capable of enhancing the effectiveness of the territory's development, provided it is associated with positive impressions. In this regard, analyzing perception of the symbolic component of a region's image by various target groups is of particular importance. The purpose of the study is to reveal the symbols, impressions, stereotypes most prevailing among the respondents that form the image of the Republic of Mordovia, which are the factors in developing the regional identity. Materials and Methods. The Republic of Mordovia was chosen for a case study: the region’s development is a vivid example of contradictoriness, the Republic being a leader in some indicators (it is among the safest regions of the country, it actively develops the innovative infrastructure, etc.) is a complete outsider in others (in the quality of life and average wages compared to other regions, etc.). Symbolic interactionism, emphasizing communication through symbols the meaning of which is set by the communicants, established the theoretical framework of the study. The method of focused interview provided the applied basis of the research. Discussions were held in 3 groups, formed according to the place of residence of the respondents: “foreigners”, “non-residents”, “residents”. Results. Unique data on the specific features of the perception of the image of the Republic of Mordovia, promoted by various agencies involved in image-making, have been obtained. The dependence of assessments and emotional attitudes to various symbols on the territorial affiliation of the recipients has been revealed. It has been noted that associations between a number of symbols (fox, octagonal rosette, red color, etc.) and Mordovia are unclear to non-residents, i. e., the mechanism of explanation, fixation and consolidation in the row of “region – symbol” is broken. Discussion and Conclusion. The authors have come to the conclusion that at present there are no images presenting unambiguously positive stable associations with the Republic of Mordovia, especially among “non-residents” and “foreigners”. The gap between the primary and secondary images is a rather worrying trend is, which can lead to dissonance, negative emotional response and negative assessments of the territory. The results of the study may be used to adjust the image-making policy of a region: to emphasize strengths and level weaknesses

Features of the formation and promotion of the image of the head of the region: on the example of the Republic of Mordovia (1995–2021)

Introduction. The constructive image of a territory in the modern world determines its competitiveness and the possibility of various preferences in the form of subsidies from the federal center, investments from business, an increasing tourist flow, etc. Building the image is a complex process of interference of evolutionary and historical development and the existing background. The visual appearance of the regions and its transformation are associated with the images of the head/governor who acts both as the subject and the object of image-making. Materials and Methods. The methodology was based on historical-evolutionary, axiological and hermeneutic approaches, comparative, systemic and structural-functional analysis. As an applied method, the Internet monitoring of regional media publications was performed for 2020–2021. Results and Discussion. The article considers the evolution and continuity in the formation and promotion of the image of the head of the region at the present stage of development of the state and society. The role of the personified component in the regional image is shown. The Republic of Mordovia, which is in a state of transformation of power elites, was chosen for a case study. It analyzed the image types of the heads of the region from 1995 to 2020 were analyzed an image map of the Acting Head of the Republic of Mordovia A. A. Zdunov was compiled, within which the main lines of image person-positioning were studied, as well as the vectors of territory promotion updated by him. Conclusion. The authors come to the conclusion that the image type “leader-firefighter” is being promoted in the Republic of Mordovia, which is demanded by the difficult socio-economic situation of the region. The expansion of the image is carried out by means of a type of “business executive”, due to belonging to the party of power and personal characteristics. There is also an active detuning from the image of the previous leaders of the region. In particular, the work on the formation of public opinion has been strengthened, information activity and prompt response to modern development challenges are demonstrated

Legal regulation of the information space as a way of forming modern legal awareness

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to study the problem of improving the legal regulation of the information and legal sphere of the Russian state and its impact on the legal consciousness of the Russian society. The authors efforts are aimed at studying the peculiarities of social development, characterized by the expansion of information processes that permeate the activities of state bodies, institutions, enterprises and citizens, which have a huge impact on the formation of legal awareness and legal culture of the entire society. Design/Methodology/Approach: The problems of expanding the information sphere of public life are investigated as a new direction of scientific knowledge, which is complex and diverse, due to the dynamism and instability of this category. Such fundamental concepts as personality, freedom, information, law, and civil society are considered as the fundamental standards of modern life, as the most important ideas which can be applied for the formation of an information society. Findings: Modern legal science in the context of informatization of public life should preserve the moral foundations of law, its adherence to universal values and spiritual guidelines. Currently, the processes of informatization and digitalization of real legal reality are increasing, which contribute to the formation of new civilizational phenomena and processes, the emergence of a new legal understanding, worldview, legal awareness, and legal culture. The new digital reality imposes requirements on legal science and practice related to improving the mechanisms of legal regulation of various spheres of public life based on modern digital technologies. Further development of communication and information technologies provides a new round of development of scientific and technological progress and transformation of society at a new stage of development, defined by the postmodern era. Practical Implications: In connection with the ongoing processes of informatization, the analysis of current legislation that determines the development of the information sphere of public life, which affects the formation of legal awareness, education of the legal culture of society and each individual, is of general particular practical importance. It is legal awareness as the most important legal institution that is one of the main conditions for the development and improvement of legislation, ensuring law and order in public relations Originality/Value: Informatization of social life has led to the emergence of new forms of legal consciousness, has had a significant impact on the formation of the legal culture of society, in which there were previously unknown, so-called digital rights of the individual that define modern life. The development of legislation in the information sphere is of particular importance, since it has a significant impact on the processes of regulating public relations in all areas of modern life, contributes to the formation of a developed legal consciousness and legal culture.peer-reviewe