Modernization problems in Russian society: a methodological aspect

The study deals with the modernization issues of the Russian society within the methodological framework. There is a correlation between modernization and path dependence. The author highlights two main types of modernization, i.e. dualistic and synthetic ones. Dualistic type is featured by the stronger path dependence and consequently the stronger disagreement between the traditional and the modern components. The traditional element is perfectly integrated into the modern one within the synthetic type. The Russian modernization is of a dualistic type. It is characterized by clash opposites proposed by the author. The clash opposites are conflicting social variables, which put stress on the role of path dependence and peculiarity of the modernization in Russia. The clash opposites are as follows: center - periphery, power-based ownership - private ownership, patrimonial state - market, traditionalistic autocracy - liberal autocracy, mechanical solidarity by E. Durkheim - qualitative individualism by G. Simmel, non-economic control - liberties. On the one hand, these opposites provide opportunities for modernization. On the other hand, they obviously limit efforts to modernize the traditional society. Since the Russian modernization retains state-based social structure, its crucial task is to make the statist society function (adapt) but not to overcome it.