Representations of collective memory concerning epoch and personality of Peter the Great in representatives of various social groups

Abstract

The social-psychological study of characteristics of representations of collective memory concerning epoch and personality of Peter the Great was carried out with participation of inhabitants of Moscow who represented three age cohorts (N = 585). Differences in the content of representations of respondents of different age cohorts were found. Older generation constructed a desired image of the country as of a strong and tenable empire whereas for middle generation productive social reforms were more important and students constructed a desired image of Russia as of an open country taking the rightful place in the world. Based on cluster analysis results main types of respondents with various representations that were different for primary attitude to understanding of the logic of historical process in Russia were identified.