SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS AS THE BASIS OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE IMAGE OF RUSSIA AND FRANCE IN MASS CONSCIOUSNESS

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the Russian and French experience of researching social representations as the basis for constructing the image of Russia and France in the mass consciousness. The leading role of S. Moskovići's French scientific school in the development of the theory of social representations is noted. The attention is focused on social factors that contribute to limiting the accuracy of reflecting the surrounding world, approaches to defining the essence of the concept of "social representations." The structure, functions, process of formation, leading directions and methods of research of social representations are analyzed. The expediency of implementing an interdisciplinary approach to the study of social representations, which are the basis for constructing the image of Russia and France in the mass consciousness, is substantiated. The results of various trends in the study of social representations are summarized and analyzed: representations of Russians about France, the French, Russian-French relations, political views of Russian and French parliamentarians, youth representations of Russia and France, views of Russians and the French about objective and subjective differences of each other.