The political culture of the voters in the Republic of Tyva as an indicator of relations between the authorities and society (results of sociological research)

The article aims to review and analyze the phenomenon of political culture based on the case of the Republic of Tyva through the system of the electoral process as an indicator of the relationship between the authorities and the public using quantitative and qualitative research methods. The process of scientific understanding of the phenomenon of political culture is presented through the system of electoral sentiments and values of the population in the Republic of Tyva. The definitions of political culture are presented as a historical phenomenon that has been of scientific interest since the time of Plato and Aristotle. The definitions of modern Western scientists focus on the psychological basis of this phenomenon - political sentiments, attitudes, behavior, and affiliations. Russian scientists consider political culture as a more multifaceted and broader concept. Political culture is both a model of the functioning of political institutions and a system of sacred characteristics, as well as a synthesis of political thinking and behavior, etc. The research was conducted in January-May 2021 in two stages: at the first stage, a sociological survey was conducted; at the second stage, 20 focus groups were organized. The territorial coverage of the research included the city of Kyzyl and 11 districts of the republic. The sample of the survey was 1200 respondents, that of focus interviews was 240 people. The data obtained from the sociological survey demonstrate high interest of respondents in politics. This interest is associated with specific acts of party leaders and public actions within the city or district. The region has a high level of support for the United Russia party, which is associated with such political values as individual freedom, security and order. Focused interviews showed a high level of trust in Sergei Shoigu, a leader of the United Russia party. At the same time, the participants noted a number of problems hindering the development of the region - unemployment, corruption of the heads of public bodies, clannishness, and bribery. Respondents note the need for personnel changes to solve the problems identified. The results of the study show that societies with a traditional political culture are characterized by trusting relations of the public and the government, loyalty to federal and regional leaders, solidarity with the ruling government's course, as well as a lack of readiness for political protests, actions and other forms of expression of discontent, despite the presence of acute social and economic problems in the region.

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