Collective Trauma in Russian Mass Consciousness: Case Study of Events From 2018 to 2024

Abstract

Aim. To analyse the peculiarities of the perception of collective trauma that occurred in Russia in the period from 2018 to 2024, as well as to determine its role in the formation of collective identity.
Methodology. As part of the work on the stated topic, focus groups were conducted, the respondents of which were divided according to the generational principle – it was concluded that the events under consideration (the fire in the “Zimnyaya vishnya” shopping center, the coronavirus pandemic, and the beginning of a special military operation), which can be called “potentially traumatic,” left an imprint in the minds of different age groups. 
Results. It was found out that the citizens of the middle age category are characterized by the greatest reflection of the three events under consideration - they had the most complete and detailed answers, in addition, the role of a political leader plays an important role in shaping the perceptions of the respondents. The respondents from the youth focus groups had the most ambivalent answers; despite the fact that, judging by the answers, they remember these events quite clearly, there is no single assessment; the answers of the group of pensioners may indicate vague ideas about the events of 2018-2024. At the same time, it can be noted that in their comments, the respondents relied on historical parallels, which may mean that socially important events for them remain in the past.
Research implications. The assumption is formulated that trauma is one of the significant phenomena influencing the formation of ideas about the country, about power, about leaders, as well as one of the elements of the construction of national and state identity. This means that the process of memory traumatization deserves special attention in the framework of political research.