What is a national character, and is it inherent in most of us?

In general, the term "national character" refers to the category of the most complex social phenomena and concepts of several modern sciences: cultural studies, philosophy, social psychology, ethnology and the related science of ethnopolitology.

1. The national character. Definition of concept

This definition describes the various stable features that are characteristic of most members of a particular ethnic or national community, and includes:

• Spiritual values ;
• Ideas;
• Interests;
• Religion;
• morality;
• Motives;
• Mental warehouse;
• Socio-psychological protective mechanisms ;
• Aspirations;
• feelings.

All of the above can be reliably attributed to a particular people, nation or ethnic group.

In general, it seems to me that the properties of the character of a nation or an entire nation is a rather complex concept, implying, above all, the psychogenetic storehouse of this ethnos. The latter, as a rule, arises based on historical, social and cultural experience, as well as taking into account all ideas, traditions, stereotypes, values, interests and ideals that are common in this community.

It can be said with certainty that the character of the people manifests itself in two categories: as a system of cultural and social norms, and a psychic phenomenon.

Very often one has to hear a question about the differences between the national and the national character. Is there a difference? Having studied the mass of specialized literature, I came to the conclusion, on the side of most specialists, that these two definitions are completely identical, because Both reflect and express the characteristics and specificity of the views, values and sensations common in a certain ethnos.

2. National character in the modern world

However, some modern researchers, in turn, adhere to a slightly different point of view. They believe that the concepts of national and national character must be delimited, tk. The latter should be understood as a more complex and historically developed phenomenon.

Why? This is primarily due to the fact that in some countries some active representatives of an ethnos or nation consciously participate in the most important spheres of life, namely, legal and political. They deliberately reflect on the history of their region, honor it and want to preserve it for future generations. Those. All this happens quite consciously.

In this case, attention is focused on the problems of the nation as a whole, and therefore they are related not only to the development of each individual, but also to the correlation of public and personal interests.

Scientists believe that these problems are not considered, or almost not considered, in people's communities, and they are mainly engaged in national organizations, communities, groups.

3. National character of the peoples of the world: Swedes and Russians

The main feature of the Swedes, perhaps, is diligence. In addition, everyone who has visited this country will note that, unlike us Russians, residents of this state are rather reluctant to express their point of view, do not show their emotions, feelings and experiences.

That is why, apparently, they enjoy the glory of boring and uncommunicative people. You rarely meet a Swede, showing off his successes or achievements. Representatives of this culture generally prefer not to talk about themselves or about their family members. And this is not snobbery, as many believe, this is the norm of their behavior. For a Swede, unlike an ordinary Russian, it is quite normal not to know neighbors on the entrance, do not go on a holiday, do not bring gifts from rest or business trips.

Although there is a kind of paradox: if you manage to miraculously talk a Swede, then it is simply impossible to silence him. He is more willing to contact a foreigner, more frankly shares with him episodes of his personal life, nuances of business and the achievements of children. Just do not expect to find in the face of the Swedes grateful listeners, they not only do not know how to listen, and do not at all feel such a need.

The Russian national character provides for a completely different relationship between the representatives of the opposite sex. Unlike us, the Swedes are very different to the beautiful sex. They will never pay for their companion in a cafe, movie or tram. And this is not from greed. The men of this country sincerely believe that by acting in this way they humiliate the dignity of the working woman, which, in turn, will take it not as a gesture of politeness, but rather as a gift.