Sovremennye Issledovaniâ Socialʹnyh Problem (Nov 2017)
THE TRADE UNIONS IN TODAY’S RUSSIA: SOME DIRECTIONS OF RESEARCH
Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this article is a preliminary analysis of some areas of research of the institute of trade unions in Russian society, the definition of the most significant approaches, and fixing of the main research topics raised in connection with this social phenomenon. Methodology. Methods of comparative, institutional, structural-functional, and, in part, historical analysis were utilized. In general, the methods used are determined by the one or other of the approaches analyzed that in turn specify a specific analysis methodology. Results. It is demonstrated that the phenomenon of trade unions continues to be actively studied in the social sciences, what is connected with the need to rethink the role and significance of the “early industrial” institutions in modern society. It is shown that the following topics are to be the heuristic tools for studying this institution: functionality, as compliance of generic, initial tasks of the institute and actually performed functions; the role of trade unions in social consolidation and integration, related to the peculiarities of the realization in Russia of the formula of “tripartism”, or social dialogue between the state, business and society, in which the unions have a role to play; institutional trust, expressed in varying degrees of social support for this institution and its legitimization on the part of mass consciousness. It was also demonstrated that one of the most promising areas of research could be the institutional analysis of trade unions on the basis of theories that pay attention to the sociocultural and historical foundations of institutional design and development. Practical implications. The obtained results can be applied in substantiating further studies of the phenomenon of the trade union movement in the domestic society, becoming an element of educational and methodological materials in educational practice, and serving as one of the theoretical and methodological grounds for formulating and implementing strategies for the social consolidation of Russian society.
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