In general, the term "national character" refers to the category of complex social phenomena and concepts of several modern sciences at once: cultural studies, philosophy, social psychology, ethnology and the science of ethnopolitology adjacent to it.
1. National character. Definition of a concept
This definition describes various sustainable features that are characteristic of most members of a particular ethnic or national community, and includes:
- spiritual values;
- ideas;
- interests;
- religion
- morality;
- motives;
- mental warehouse;
- socio-psychological defense mechanisms;
- aspirations;
- feelings.
All of the above can be safely attributed to a specific people, nation or ethnic group.
In general, it seems to me that the properties of the character of a nation or an entire nation are a rather complicated concept, which implies, first of all, the psychogenetic warehouse of this ethnos. The latter, as a rule, arises based on historical, social and cultural experience, as well as taking into account all the ideas, traditions, stereotypes, values, interests and ideals that are common in this community.
It is safe to say that the nature of the people manifests itself in two categories: both as a system of cultural and social norms, and as a mental phenomenon.
Very often one has to hear the question regarding the differences between national and national character. Is there a difference? Having studied a lot of specialized literature, I came to the conclusion, taking the side of most experts, that these two definitions are completely identical, because both reflect and express the features and specificity of the views, values and sensations generally accepted in a particular ethnic group.
2. National character in the modern world
However, some modern researchers, in turn, hold a slightly different point of view. They believe that the concepts of national and national nature should be distinguished, because the latter should be understood as a more complex and historically developed phenomenon.
Why? This is, first of all, due to the fact that in some countries some active representatives of an ethnic group or nation consciously take part in the most important areas of life, namely, legal and political. They deliberately think about the history of their region, honor it and want to keep it for future generations. Those. all this happens quite consciously.
In this case, attention is focused on the problems of the nation as a whole, which means that they are associated not only with the development of each individual, but also with the correlation of public and personal interests.
Scientists believe that these problems are not considered, or almost not considered, in popular communities, but mainly national organizations, communities, and groups deal with them.
3. The national character of the peoples of the world: Swedes and Russians
The main feature of the Swedes, perhaps, is hard work. In addition, everyone who has visited this country will note that, unlike us Russians, the inhabitants of this state are rather reluctant to express their point of view, do not show their emotions, feelings and feelings.
That is why, apparently, they enjoy the fame of boring and uncommunicative people. You rarely see a Swede bragging about his successes or achievements. Representatives of this culture generally prefer not to talk either about themselves or about members of their family. Moreover, this is not snobbery, as many believe, this is the norm of their behavior. For a Swede, unlike an ordinary Russian citizen, it’s not in the nature of things to know neighbors on the porch, not to visit guests on holidays, not to bring gifts from vacations or business trips.
Although there is a paradox here: if you manage to miraculously speak the Swede, then it will be simply impossible to silence him. He is more willing to make contact with a foreigner, frankly shares with him episodes about his personal life, the nuances of business and the achievements of children. Just do not hope to find grateful listeners in the person of the Swedes , they not only do not know how to listen, they do not feel such a need at all.
The Russian national character also provides for completely different relations between members of the opposite sex. Unlike us, the Swedes have a completely different attitude to the fair sex. They will never pay for their companion in a cafe, movie or tram. And this is not from greed. The men of this country sincerely believe that in doing so, they humiliate the dignity of a working woman, who, in turn, will perceive this not at all as a gesture of politeness, but rather as a handout.