Patrushev S.V., Philippova L.E. Mass politics in Russia: Stating the problem of study and conceptualization

Abstract

The article traces the development of opinions about the role of masses in politics, and proposes a version of redefining the concept of «mass politics». There is an attempt to differentiate «mass politics» from «politics of the masses» both as concepts and phenomena; to show the logic of juxtaposing mass politics and politics of the masses is revealed - the former meaning mass political participation and action based on the universal norms and values, shaping and structuring the political space, and the latter meaning a potentially destructive «invasion» of politics by the masses. Continuing the tradition of S. Rokkan, the authors elaborate a theoretical model to assess the potential of mass politics formation in Russia.