THE CONCEPT OF THE "MASS LINE " IN CHINESE MARXISM: FROM MAO ZE-DONG TO THE PRESENT

Abstract

The article is devoted to understanding the idea of the concept of the "mass line" in Chineseized Marxism. It was revealed that although the concept of the "mass line" was proposed by Mao Ze-Dong in the texts of a number of his works, one of its theoretical bases was the reasoning of both K. Marx and V. Lenin, who emphasized the importance of not just leadership of the masses, peoples, but a permanent one of its kind "monitoring" to learn about their interests, preferences and beliefs. It is substantiated that this concept is not only political/social-philosophical, but also epistemological and methodological. Since its operation involves gathering diverse views from below and transforming them into systematic positions and experimental policies, the consequences of which are then investigated, discussed and returned to the system. It is proved that the functioning of the "mass line" is not stable, but dynamic, in accordance with the situation of the time in general in the world and internal transformations in China itself. This concept in the era of globalization acquires new innovative, technological features, which requires further and thorough rethinking by modern thinkers of this country.