Problem of social memory definition: concept, some basic characteristics, functions and role in formation of patriotism

The article discusses some questions concerned the definition of social memory as a socially created and generally accepted knowledge related to the past of a particular community. The authors analyze the content of social memory, its sources, the ratio of individual and collective memory, past and present, local and universal ones. They also study the relationship of social memory, culture and cultural memory, the role of the process of inculturation in preserving social memory, as well as formation of social identity and individual one. The focus of the article is the description of main functions and characteristics of social memory, its influence on socially constructed images of the desired future, as well as the formation of patriotic attitudes of contemporary Russians. On the example of a modern Russian society the authors show the algorithm of formation and dynamics of high patriotism, the foundation of which stands an appeal to the deep layers of social memory, and address macro-problems, the speakers at the present stage to the Russian authorities priority over microsocial.