Tradition as Inclusion. Resources of Socio Cultural Integration in Folk Culture

Abstract

This study is devoted to inclusion, a relevant topic in today’s Russia, and its manifestations in various forms in folklore in contemporary contexts. The author focuses on the communities of Russian folk culture enthusiasts and reveals the role of elements of traditional culture in inclusion and integration or differentiation between groups affecting the perception of traditional culture in modern society. The article reveals foreign and Russian resources that have applied folklore to promote inclusion in various cultural projects, covering not only concert performances, but also exhibitions, workshops, websites, educational programs, performative genres, internships, and festivals. Despite the fact that traditional culture can trigger exclusion mechanisms, it also has a rich potential for inclusion. Many forms of folk culture have the potential for social inclusion and support the active life position of people with disabilities and their families, as well as other vulnerable social groups. The difficulties and possibilities of maintaining and developing such forms discussed in this article are based on interviews with the activists of the preservation and development of traditions. The creative role of representatives of vulnerable groups, as well as public folklorists as facilitators and promoters of such projects is shown. Through the prism of the perception of traditional culture by modern folklorists, inclusion is seen as possible and tradition as useful for accepting diversity and moving towards socio-­cultural integration.