В«MegalopolisВ» and В«Remote PlaceВ» as Models of Value Orientations and Political Attitudes of Russians

This paper studies the settlement-type factor that affects the formation of value orientations and related political attitudes of Russians. There is a deep intersettlement differentiation in modern Russia. The typology of settlements takes into account not only the structural elements but also their level of development. The agglomeration of Moscow and Saint Petersburg are at the top of the hierarchical system of settlements. The dissemination of innovations in the social space of Russia derives from the largest and most developed to the less developed types of communities. Different types of settlements determine the specificity of value orientations, which the current article discusses as models of “megalopolis” and “remote place”. These models detect unifying and dividing values that are located in the complex and contradictory interaction and dynamics. The majority of Russians are united in their quest for social justice and stability. At the same time, the residents of the metropolis have a more pronounced focus on the individual, rational, and activist values, whereas the residents of the provinces have collectivist, regulatory, and paternalistic values. In addition, the value structure of the residents of the metropolis is characterised by its diversity, simultaneous presence of the values and attitudes of the liberal, conservative and social-democratic orientation, the possibility of choice and, consequently, greater individual freedom Megacities concentrate resources to develop new guidelines to form the value of the future, whereas the province provides stability and continuity A balance between these two opposites can ensure dynamism and the continuity of social development.