Volunteerism in Contemporary Russian Society (Socio-Philosophical Analysis)

Abstract

Volunteerism is now growing in popularity and importance among various population groups and is supported at many levels of government. The increase in the number of volunteer practices as a type of social activity indicates a promising development of civil society. In this article, the author reflects on the socio-philosophical significance of modern volunteerism in today’s Russia. The paper analyses various interpretations of volunteering and outlines structural approaches to understanding this phenomenon in social and humanitarian knowledge. The meaning of volunteerism in terms of philosophical anthropology and pedagogy is discussed. The multidimensional nature of volunteering is considered here from the point of view of developing the pedagogical, personal, humanistic and patriotic potential of society. It is pointed out that in Russia volunteerism is generally perceived as a form of charity and social engagement, being mostly based on traditional values such as altruism, mercy, sympathy, kindness and morality. The key areas of modern volunteering include organized and unorganized forms of activity with its numerous sectoral and age-specific varieties, having their characteristic features. The article concludes that volunteerism can provide an impetus for developing civil society and uniting the people. In addition, the author outlines the distinctive historical characteristics of Russian volunteerism, the most important originating in the traditional understanding of virtue in national Orthodox culture and in the collectiveness of many life practices as well as in self-sacrifice, compassion and humanity.