Problem of ethnic mentality

¹ Kalmyk state University, 11 Pushkin Str., Elista, Russian Federation
² Institute of Complex Studies of Arid Territories, 111 Khomutnikov Str., Elista, Russian Federation

^* Corresponding author: oleg-usalko@yandex.ru

Abstract

The relevance of the problem of ethnic mentality is due to the need to understand and address social issues, understand the specifics of the history of the ethnos, and thus realize yourself. The processes of ethno-cultural revival of peoples, ‘ethnic renaissance’, and the rising tide of interest in historical and ethnic roots, including the constants of the ethnic worldview itself, require careful, objective, and scientific analysis. The modern world affected by globalization is facing new challenges, including threats posed to ethnic identity, leveling of ethnic and cultural differences, the imposition of standards of global culture, and the spread of unified models of lifestyle and thoughts. All these components are important and their common unity determines the ethnos. The modern processes of changing the values and attitudes of ethnic groups in the context of globalization contest the existence of ethnic groups as stable and sustainable social formations. In this case, the study of aspects of cultural life is an objective condition for formation and development of peoples. Anthropological, psychological and symbolic aspects can be employed to understand the mentality of the people. The anthropology of the mentality can be studied from the point of view of two approaches: the paradigm of life and the paradigm of existence. The mentality of the people is steeped in the cultural ritualization of actions. The psychological aspect determines the ontogeny (individual development) and phylogeny of human culture. The symbolic aspect helps understand a reality that is beyond human understanding.