The humanities and social science

2012 Issue №6

The “European identity” of today: a category of political practice or discourse?

Abstract

This paper considers the cultural, political, and historical problems of the development of European identity in the discourse of Europe. The author addresses the question as to whether European identity is a category of political discourse or a real instrument of European integration and comes to a conclusion that the concepts of European identity are stuck in a methodological trap. And the EU institutional design does not inspire confidence among the residents of united Europe. The question as to how European identity will develop after the EU crisis is becoming increasingly topical.

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On the development of the parliamentarianism institution in Poland

Abstract

This article is devoted to the important issue of development of parliamentarianism in post-authoritarian countries through the case of Poland. Having passed several stages of constitutional changes and political crises caused by the situation of political infighting, the Polish political system has reached sustainability, which ensures its effective functioning.

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The historical consciousness of students: results of a survey carried out at Kaliningrad universities

Abstract

This article offers data on the results of a survey of students of humanities of Kaliningrad universities. The survey was dedicated to the assessment of maturity of historical consciousness in youth. The author characterises the general picture of knowledge of regional history and identifies the gaps.

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The methodological aspects of studying suicide as a phenomenon

Abstract

This article analyses the theoretical framework of studying suicide as a social phenomenon. The author examines the social grounds for suicide in the concepts of E. Durkheim, R. Merton, A. Schopenhauer, and E. Fromm and described the methodological principles of studying suicide as a social practice in the sociological discourse of deviant behavior.

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