The Social and Existential Determinants of the Traditional Mari Mentality

Introduction. Of current academic concern is the scarcity of research on Mari folklore, particularly proverbs, from the perspective of neoclassical determinism. The objective of this study is to identify and analyse the mechanisms and specific nature of the influence exerted by objective (external/social) and subjective (internal/existential) determinants on the formation and functioning of the traditional Mari mentality, as expressed within folklore texts. Materials and Methods. The subject of this research comprises proverbs (kalaykmut) and ethnographic sources that reflect conceptions of the category of sociality and causality within Mari culture. The methodological foundation is constructed upon the theory of neoclassical determinism. This study employs methods of comparativism to juxtapose archaic and contemporary texts, hermeneutic analysis aimed at interpreting sacred meanings, and the method of generalisation to identify universal patterns within the folklore heritage. Results and Discussion. Existential determinants, articulated through the concepts of ‘Yumo’ (deity) and ‘chon’ (soul), play a predominant role in the Mari mentality. Social conditions are mediated through spiritual practices, and the Mari worldview is characterized by properties of fractality and heterarchy, which indicates a recurrence of cultural patterns across different levels of being. Conclusion. The obtained findings indicate the necessity of revising the classical conception of social determinism by incorporating the intrinsic freedom of the individual and the spiritual components of culture. The practical significance of the study is demonstrated by the potential application of its conclusions within the realms of ethno-cultural education and interdisciplinary research pertaining to Finno-Ugric peoples.