The concepts of «mass» and «mass behavior» in the works of B.A. Grushin

Abstract

The article provides an anal- ysis of concepts of «social mass» and «mass behavior» proposed by the Sovi- et sociologist B. A. Grushin. The study covers the time from 1967 to 1987 when the key Grushin’s works devoted to the mass consciousness and related concepts appeared. The basis of the analysis is Grushin’s published lectures and scientific publications. The paper also includes data from studies of the history of Russian sociology, Grushin’s and his contemporaries’ memories. The author discusses factors that influenced Grushin’s scientific interests, analyzes his views of «mass» and «mass behavior» as well as their strengths and limitations. To conclude, the author states that the notions proposed by the sociologist thirty years ago are still relevant and can be used to develop the modern theory of «mass» and «mass consciousness». An essential feature of Grushin’s concept is that it makes it possible to combine ideas of his Western and domestic predecessors.