Methodological and methodical features of studying the sphere of cultural consumption

This article reveals the theoretical and methodological foundations of studying the sphere of cultural consumption in the region and suggests the methodology of sociological research developed by the author on the presented topic. Analyzing scientific research devoted to the study of the sphere of cultural consumption, the author conducts a theoretical interpretation of the term, considers the main approaches to the study of this sphere, addresses the history of its research and issues of operationalization. Coming to the conclusion that the concept of "cultural consumption" has not yet been unambiguously defined, the researcher proposes to consider cultural services (cultural services) as the main condition for cultural consumption, and, accordingly, to understand cultural consumption as the use of society's achievements in the field of culture, presented in the form of cultural services, to satisfy the cultural needs of society. The author has developed a methodology for sociological research of the sphere of cultural consumption in the region, which is based on a qualitative research paradigm and the method of expert interviews. The author's special contribution to the research of the topic is the methodology he developed. The novelty of the research lies in the author's combined step-by-step methodology of sociological research of the sphere of cultural consumption of the region, which is based on a qualitative research paradigm and the method of expert interviews. The experts in this methodology are structured according to a four-stage system, which allows to evaluate the entire existing structure and look at it both through the eyes of consumers themselves and those who are directly involved in the creation of cultural goods. In addition, the data obtained at each stage of the study provides material for further study of the field, predictive information, and also allows to identify the most effective ways to solve emerging problems. Thus, the presented technique is interesting not only from a scientific, but also from an applied point of view.

cultural consumption, cultural needs, sociocultural development, cultural sphere, culture, cultural industry, cultural product, sociology of culture, sociocultural services, cultural practices