Trauma societies and their characteristics: Between evolution and revolution

Abstract

The development of civilization at the present stage is faced with a phenomenon that is still poorly studied and little known, which we call the trauma of society. The fact is that significant, special and specific events are taking place in the world that cannot be defined and qualified in the old terms of evolution and revolution, which describe and reflect the changes that are taking place. Currently, there are 53 states that, according to the World Bank, that have been or are in a state of chaotic, unbalanced and turbulent development for a long period. This state allows us to state that along with the main recognized development paths – revolution and evolution – in the modern world there is such a specific phenomenon as trauma society. It is shown how the concept of trauma acquired a social sound, and how it was interpreted in the scientific literature, and to what extent was reflected in political vocabulary. The author refers as trauma societies to countries that have stagnated for a long time in their development or are in a state of recession and lose their previously achieved milestones. The article reveals the essential characteristics of a trauma society, the reasons for its occurrence, and the consequences of its functioning. Particular attention is paid to Russia, which, according to the author, can be described as trauma and injured society, since in its development, having rejected the socialist past, it did not reach the Achievements from which it began its way in 1991. At the same time, transformations carried out for more than a quarter of a century form a mosaic in which it is difficult/impossible to distinguish between evolutionary and revolutionary trends. In this regard, an analysis of the obstacles that are not overcome for the implementation of a truly democratic, efficiently functioning society is given.

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