The Problem of National Identity Formation: Theoretical Aspect

The article elaborates some theoretical aspects of the problem of formation of national identity through the analysis of the modern scientific interpretation of the phenomenon "national identity". It was found that the modern stage is characterized by a multiplicity of discursively determined interpretations of the concept of national identity and the specifics of its formation. An analysis of the modern conceptual apparatus related to the category "national identity" was carried out, and the relationship with the ethnic and civil component of this term was also determined. National identity is considered as a complex system capable of self-organization, and as a political component of various aspects of social life. The lack of unity in the understanding and interpretation of the mentioned concept in the studies was established and an attempt was made to systematize approaches to understanding the subject of research. Various views on the definition of the concept of "national identity", which is actively used by representatives of various theoretical scientific directions, which causes a sufficiently wide range of its interpretations, have been revealed. The author's proposed interpretation of the concept of "national identity" as an integrative quality that reflects the individual's awareness of his belonging to the community of citizens of the country, manifests itself in political culture, national openness, acceptance of national interests, national values, a consolidating national idea that harmonizes with the idea of patriotism in accordance with the requirements state integrity and monolithic unity of the country. The author's position on the problem of the modern interpretation of the concept "national identity" is outlined. It is summarized that the crisis of the modern socio-cultural reality not only actualizes the appeal to the fundamental foundations of the formation and development of national identity, but also opens up new problems of its understanding.