New Ethics of Russian Ecologists: Myth or Reality?

New professional ethics is becoming important in the conditions of unequal societies, especially during the socio-ecological crisis. The present study is examined the phenomenon of ethics and morality of ecologists - quite new social-professional group in contemporary Russia and other Post-Soviet countries which are societies of anomy. The ecological ethics and morality are latent and only a part of bigger system of values. It can be seen as a historical phenomenon which evolves and exists as a number of developing and interchanging moral systems.

While economics sounds during the globalization process, the ecological morality often keeps silent. Modern ecological ethics and morality are degraded, mostly its regulating influence is evident in emergency situations only. Furthermore, the prominent social orders and levels (including social-professional group of ecologists) have their own specific “ecological moralities”.

The findings of the expert survey present the social attitudes and system of values of these professionals and the views of the lay public about their social role. The data selected in the article is the result of comparative sociological research, conducted in Post-Soviet area since 2006 till the present. The competency of ecologists is higher comparing with others professional groups of this field, they have a sufficient influence to other professionals. The main social features of the group are: adequate axiological and emotional relation to society and nature, the availability of specific knowledge, capacities to creative action and thinking, which help them to analyze the real socio-ecological problems and to make the balanced optimal decisions in the sphere of nature protection. The institualization of the ecologists is influenced by its special characteristics: the special role of ecological ethics in activity of the professional and the importance of professional activity in conditions of local ecological crisis which leads to development of professional self-identity and appearing of professional pathos.