Some aspects of civil society institutionalization in Russia (a case of regional study)

Abstract

The article deals with the institutionalization of civil society in Russia at the current stage. The
aim of the study was to consider certain aspects of the interaction of the state and civil society in Russia in general and
in its particular constituent entity, Kemerovo Region. The authors employed the method of sociological survey of the
population and expert assessments of non-profit sector representatives, which made it possible to assess the dynamics
of the development of civil society institutions in Russia and, particularly, in Kemerovo region. The study revealed
that despite a significant number of definitions of the concept of “civil society”, there is no common understanding of
this institution among government bodies and society. The results of the study include identifying some features of
the development of civil society and challenges inhibiting the process of development of civil initiatives in regional
politics. Among the assessed criteria are the level of social and political activity of the population, the trust of the
population and non-profit organizations in civil society institutions and authorities, information accessibility in the
media, and the attitude of the population to issues of self-government. As a result, the authors note that the leading
position in the development of regional civil institutions belongs to social activity, which is directly related to the
potential of civil activity among the population and especially among young people.