Zinovjeva, Elena V.

Relevance. 90^thXX century is a very dramatic period of modern Russian history. During this period, dramatic changes have been in different spheres (economic, political, international etc.) in Russia, also values and social norms have changed dramatically. Memory lane and representations of this period influence on their representation of modern times. Therefore, it is very important to investigate historical memory of this period. 

Objective. The goal of the study is to investigate psychological aspects of 90^th’XX century in Russia historical memory and to compare contemporaries’ associations with youth’s associations with the epoch of 90^th.

Method. Questionnaire “Representations of 90^thXX century in Russia” (E. Sinelnikova)

Sample. 154 participants, 60 participants at the main stage of the study: 29 participants youthful age (mean age – 19 years), 31 adulthood, contemporaries of 90^th(mean age – 52,1 year). 

Results. The most frequent associations with 90^thare financial crisis (devastation), deficit, deliberation, corruption, and perestroika (transformation in different spheres of society. Young participants associated the 90^thwith corruption statistically significant more often than contemporaries of 90^th. 90^th’contemporaries associated 90^thwith perestroika statistically significant more often than students. The most important sources of information about 90^thare: experience (for contemporaries), TV, films, newspapers and journals. Internet is an important source of information about 90^thonly for the young people. 

Conclusion. 90^thXX century in Russia in young people’s representations are more associated with crime and riots. In contrast, in contemporaries’ associations the epoch is more associated with transformations in different spheres of society and economic problems.