TYPOLOGY OF «NONES»: CULTURAL, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL POTENTIAL

The article offers a brief summary of the author’s study of the phenomenon of the “nones” in Russia and abroad. The growth of the number of the “nones” noted in sociological researches attracts attention of various groups of scientists, politicians, theologians, journalists. The author not only makes an attempt of theoretical generalization of the existing points of view on the “nones”, but also addresses to the problem of inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the development of the concept itself. The article highlights the lack of studies based on the method of cause-consequence analysis, and postulates the need for typological and longitudinal studies. According to the results of the author’s research based on observations, polls, analytics, monitoring of mass media and the Internet, a variant of a multilevel overlap-type classification of “nones” is offered. The classification is based on several criteria (causes and accentuations) and includes a brief description of the types and their subgroups. The author analyzes the level of socialization of these types, their capacity for the social unity and social activities, the specifics of value and aesthetic preferences.

sociology, science of religion, religious belief, nones, freethought