The paper is a result of the scientific theoretical and empirical research conducted by the author
on the issue of collective self-preservation of local societies on the territory of the Arkhangelsk Oblast. The
rise of general welfare is achieved at the expense of weakening family ties, deformation of the demographic
structure of the population and, as a result, aggravating demographic risks, various social deviations,
destruction of traditional bonds that helped people survive for centuries thanks to social solidarity and mutual aid. Social risks entail, directly or indirectly, all other risks, making them particularly dangerous
for the society. However, the society in historical perspective has formed the mechanisms of protection
against the negative impact of social and other shocks. These mechanisms are especially pronounced in
local resident populations and they currently remain in the form of social control, social solidarity, and
other forms of collective protection. There also remain intra-social mechanisms, which in the conditions
of remoteness from social services and law enforcement agencies make people stay active and offer mutual
aid. This side of social life is not only of scientific interest (as the tradition that is being left behind), but
also of practical importance – because the social and cultural potential that is preserved in this way can
be developed and used for organizing the life of remote settlements. Based on the study of the history of
the region, the author identifies socio-cultural risks that may arise among the population in remote and
sparsely populated territories under the influence of various external and internal challenges. This concept
served as the basis for the development and implementation of the program for field study of the policies
and practices aimed to overcome these risks by local resident communities in 2015
Keywords
rural population, remote and sparsely populated areas, arkhangelsk oblast, socio-cultural risks, collective self-preservation, social history, field study