The impact of the social and cultural environment of a megalopolis on the life of its citizens

The life of a contemporary person is limited to the urban environment. The city is regarded as a space that has a significant impact on every citizen, provides his/her relationship with a megalopolis in general and city dwellers in particular. Social and cultural space comprises the elements from all areas of people’s lives. In the author’s opinion, it is important to understand the ways social and cultural space affects the development of citizens, their life in urban settings, the quality and pace of their life. Based on the results of the survey conducted among the citizens of the Siberian megalopolis (Novosibirsk), the author analyzes the relations between the dwellers of the mega-city and its social and cultural space. The research identifies its main structural elements: a person (citizen) and his/her relationships/ interactions with other residents; culture (traditions, customs, symbols, artifacts); communication and information channels; territory with its geographical, climatic, historical and other characteristics and the material component of the city (streets, squares, parks, buildings). The study determines the key functions of the social and cultural space (adaptation, cultural and educational, educative, information and communication, aesthetic, creative, and safety ones) that are necessary for meeting citizens’ social and cultural needs.