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Social Inertia: the Methodological Potential of the Concept for the Study of Traditional Eastern Societies
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33 Экономика. Народное хозяйство. Экономические науки
93/94 История
32 Политика
Date of publication
20.04.2020
Public year
2020
DOI
10.31857/S086919080009033-3
Social Inertia: the Methodological Potential of the Concept for the Study of Traditional Eastern Societies
Annotation

The concept of “social inertia” is now rarely used in philosophical and sociological discourse. It was encountered by philosophers of the 20th century mostly with negative connotations. The aim of the work is to identify the possibilities of the concept for use in the scientific discourse of such areas as philosophy and sociology, philosophy of history, methodology of history as well as of sociology, urban studies, etc. Elements of different assessments and approaches to this concept and related ones found among researchers from different branches of scientific knowledge can bear fruit when applied to modern social phenomena. Based on the study, the author characterizes social inertia as a mechanism for preserving tradition in the context of social fluctuations, civilizational upheavals or abrupt changes in the cultural paradigm (aggravation of conflicts, socio-political transformations, land-borne migration processes). The concept encompasses a significant potential for an interdisciplinary approach to social development. As a conclusion it is proposed: a) to accept the constructive nature of the inclusion of the concept of social inertia in the research paradigm; b) to characterize it as the main mechanism of translation of tradition in the conditions of transition; c) to consider it as a factor in stabilizing the dynamics of development and transition to sustainable development. New concepts are also proposed that are related or duplicate social inertia: social resistance and resilience, inertia of cultural traditions. The high methodological and cognitive potential of this and related concepts is demonstrated by frequent reference to it by modern scientists from various fields.

About authors
Aleksei V. Sarabyev
Leading Researcher
Institute of Oriental Studies RAS
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