К вопросу о методологических основаниях этносоциологии: по итогам Круглого стола «Этносоциальные и этнополитические процессы в Сибири и на Дальнем Востоке» (Якутск)

The scientific article clarifies the concepts of ethnic, regional and macro-regional identity. The article substantiates the possibility and expediency of their distinction and delimitation as independent types of social identity of a person. The question of correlation and interrelation of ethnic identity with regional and macro-regional identity, the possibility of their hierarchical consideration is discussed. Ethnic, regional and macro-regional identity is considered as socio-psychological categories within the framework of the article. Ethnic identity is interpreted as a dynamic and multidimensional formation, which characterizes the feeling (implicit component) and awareness (explicit component) of a person as a member of a certain ethnic group/community. Regional identity is considered as a dynamic and multidimensional formation that characterizes the feeling (implicit component) and awareness (explicit component) of a person as a resident of a certain region. Macro-regional identity is considered as a dynamic and multidimensional formation, which characterizes the feeling (implicit component) and awareness (explicit component) of a person as a representative of a certain macro-regional association of territories. The close interrelation between the concepts, their consistency and complementarity, as well as the impossibility of their unambiguous hierarchical consideration due to individual criteria of importance of each type of identity, depending on the structure of self-concept and the system of values of a person are established. Using the historical and socio-cultural context, we substantiate the possibility and expediency of studying macro-regional identity for people living in the Middle Volga region, including the Ulyanovsk, Samara, Saratov regions, as well as the Republics of Tatarstan and Chuvashia. Prospects for research on ethnic, regional and macro-regional identity for the education of interethnic tolerance in a multicultural macro-region are outlined.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the dynamics of ethnopolitical processes in two subregions of the North Caucasus – Stavropol Krai and Karachay-Cherkess Republic. The purpose of the article is to clarify medium-term forecasts of the dynamics of the ethnopolitical situation in the two territories, taking into account the latest threats and challenges. The study is based on a combination of three approaches: conflictological approach, risk studies and geopolitical paradigm. The empirical base was formed on the basis of long-term monitoring of the ethnopolitical situation and confessional processes. Content analysis of regional information resources, event analysis of the regional ethnopolitical situation, factor analysis based on the study of statistical data, and expert surveys were used. The results presented in the article are based on research work conducted in 2022-2025. Factors of destabilization of the ethnopolitical situation are organized into three blocks: threats to the constitutional order; risks in the political and administrative sphere; risks in the socio-economic sphere. It was concluded that the authorities in two regions managed to curb the sharp increase in threats and risks to ethnopolitical stability caused by the aggravation of geopolitical processes. The dynamics of factors determining the development of the regional ethnopolitical situation in the middle of the third decade of the 21st century, the absence of resonant conflicts with ethnic component and protest activity make it possible to steadily prolong the positive conflict scenario in Stavropol Krai for the second half of the decade. For Karachay-Cherkessia, the most likely is an inertial moderate conflict scenario. Thus, Stavropol Krai and the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic are the "western pole of stability" in the North Caucasus. The analysis showed a much more complex determination of the regional ethnopolitical process compared to traditional explanatory models. Economic factors, traditionally considered as one of main sources conflict generators, do not show a significant impact on the dynamics of ethnosocial and ethnopolitical processes. At present, such role play specific features of functioning of regional political regimes: the effectiveness of authorities, the mechanism for the formation of power, the depth of clan ties, corruption. An important factor in ensuring stability in the communities of the two territories is the dominance of secularism both in power relations and in public life in general.

Background Ethnic identity is important for positive health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for Indigenous youth and adolescents from minoritised ethnic groups. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) is widely used to examine ethnic identity as a general phenomenon across ethnic groups. However, evidence regarding its validity for adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds is mainly limited to the US context. This study investigated psychometric properties of the MEIM, for the first time, within a large ethnically diverse population-based sample in New Zealand. Methods We used data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Participants were 4500 12-year-olds and included 22.4% Māori (the Indigenous people of New Zealand), 16.7% Pacific, 14.8% Asian and 51.9% European young people. 45.7% were cisgender boy, 37.4% were cisgender girl, and 16.4% were non-binary, trans or unsure. We conducted factor analysis for the 12-item MEIM. Results Confirmatory factor analysis model fit tended to be best for a solution with two factors representing two ethnic identity subcomponents of Exploration and Affirmation/Belonging. A single ‘ethnic identity’ factor showed a slightly weaker model fit. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor structure with a slightly different item composition as compared to the original MEIM subscales. The findings were largely comparable across ethnic groups. Conclusions The MEIM appears to be a valid measure for Māori, Pacific, Asian and European young people. However, nuances may exist due to unique contexts including structural factors, societal norms and challenges, opportunities and access to cultural engagement. Ethnic identity is strongly linked to health and wellbeing including quality of life, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Therefore, we recommend acknowledging nuances of ethnic identity during an important time of development within diverse cultural contexts, by applying subscales and subgroup analyses where possible. Key messages • The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure is valid and appropriate to use at age 12-years among diverse ethnic groups including Māori, Pacific, Asian and European. • Nuances of ethnic identity should be acknowledged as an important factor for health and wellbeing, especially during critical times of transition for adolescents within diverse cultural contexts.

The article develops the concept of ethnic revolution which the author regards as one of the major socio-historical processes of the modern stage of globalization. The ethnic revolution is associated with the phenomenon of the «revival of ethnicity» and understood as a general process of re-establishment of ethnicity and ethnic identities which is not limited to any particular territory. In this respect, the issue should refer to a new characteristic. The author examines different types of ethnicity in the context of renovation of social norms and relationships and suggests that the so-called «post-national identity» is only a transitional step towards the formation of fundamentally new ethno-national communities. The situational analysis in different countries, including the EU countries, Russia and other post-Soviet states, reveals specific features of ethnic revolution; its genetic dependence on the spatial structure of economic interactions and communications is described. The author warns against researchers’ attempts to define ethnicity as an archaism; presenting it as a form of socio-psychological and cognitive compensation for the growing complexity of the social world and as a factor of economic competitiveness (ethno-economy), the author proves its functionality in modern social practices.

Lifestyle behaviors and ethnic identity among diverse women at high risk for type 2 diabetes

An Interethnic Paradox: Chicago's Irish and Everyone Else

The “acculturative stress” of ethnic Russians in the post-Soviet states is considered in the spectrum of the crisis of social (ethnic) identity. Correlation analysis of the results obtained in the study of changed identity of two samples of respondents (N = 700) opting for strategies of Integration and Separation revealed the core problem. It lies in the separationists’ disturbed relationship between positive ethnic identity and ethnic tolerance. It is assumed that a cluster of features that can be called the syndrome of imposed ethnicity causes the disturbance. The syndrome is characterized by a high valency of ethnic belonging combined with the negative valency of ethnic identity. The finding was obtained through principal components factor analyses of items related to ethnic identity and ethnic tolerance across the two groups of respondents. Correlation analysis revealed acculturation and personal characteristics influencing the valency of ethnic identity. Strategies of coping with the syndrome of imposed ethnicity are also described. Maintaining positive ethnic identity can be viewed as a basic condition of successful acculturation. On a broader scale, the maintenance of positive ethnic identity should be seen as a socio-psychological mechanism for maintaining a given cultural whole.

A measure of ethnic identity, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), was examined in this study with a sample of 2,184 early adolescents who self-identified with a single race or ethnicity (monoracial, n = 1,812) or with two or more racial or ethnic groups (multiracial, n = 372). Principal components and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis were used to explore and confirm the factor structure of the MEIM items. Two factors were identified: (a) identification and (b) exploration. Identification was represented by items that reflect a sense of belonging and pride in an individual’s ethnic group. Exploration was represented by items that characterize a search for ethnic group identity and participation in ethnic practices. Reliabilities were adequate for the two subscales (= .84, identification; = .76, exploration). Also, the results indicated that most individuals from monoracial minority groups and multiracial subgroups scored similarly on overall ethnic identity.

Based on the analysis of the results of the scientific research “Ethnopolitical processes in the Caucasus in the assessments and perceptions of modern youth” (grant RFBR and ANO EISR No. 19-011-31300), the content and features of the formation of an all-Russian civic identity among young people in the North Caucasus are reviewed. The purpose of the study is to identify the risk of conflict in the process of forming the all-Russian identity of youth in the North Caucasus. The objectives of the study: determination of the ratio of the all-Russian civic, regional, ethnic and religious identity in the portfolio of identities of the youth in the North Caucasus, the main actors in the formation of the foundations of the all-Russian identity, the importance of patriotism and civic engagement for young people, as well as assessing the role of the state in the process of forming the all-Russian identity. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is made up of the main approaches and concepts of understanding the all-Russian civic identity. The empirical basis is sociological research consisting of assessments and views of young people in the North Caucasus. For the region, an extremely important task is the formation and development of an all-Russian civic identity, its integration with ethnic and regional identities in the minds of young people. Civic, regional, ethnic and religious identity in the minds of young people in the North Caucasus is in an unstable equilibrium state, which carries the risks of a conflict of identities. There is a demand among young people for active participation in the socio-political life of the region. The influence of the state, represented by the education system and state media, on the formation of the socio-political views of young people in the region is decreasing, and the role of the blogosphere and social networks is increasing. The state can become a leading actor in the formation of the all-Russian identity of the region, subject to the creation of a favorable social environment and the formation of functional feedback mechanisms between the authorities and the region’s youth.

The article analyses the processes of ethnocultural and ethnopolitical development in Udmurtia and is based on the analysis of statistical materials, data from sociological studies, and other sources of information. The main souses of information for the work are the series of surveys conducted in 2017–2019 in the national republics of the Russian Federation carries out as a part of the program developed by the IEA RAS (or by analogy with it). The object of the study is the Udmurt Republic, as long as recent events and previous observations turned the region into a model “training ground” for studying ethnocultural and ethnopolitical processes in republics with a Finno-Ugric population. Previously, we have summarized some of the prior observations in numerous publications, including the multivolume series “The Phenomenon of Udmurtia”. The results of the recent studies are closely correlated with the data of previous sociological surveys. Thus we are able to define and to access the main trends of ethnocultural and ethnopolitical processes that take place in the Republic as well as in the other subjects of the Russian Federation, where Finno-Ugric peoples live. The analysis of the ethno-political situation in the republic shows that the demand for integration policy in the republican community is more than obvious. But the policy of civic integration needs to be activated, because so far it does not have a significant impact on public sentiment.

The article is devoted to the problems of preserving ethnic identity and language in a polymental environment. The object of the study is the speakers of the Avar, Lezgin, Rutul, Tsakhur, Bezhta and Gunzib languages in the focus of their cross-border status, which affects ethnic identity. The difference in the social, ethnic, mental environment of divided peoples causes dissonant phenomena in the formation of ethnic identity among speakers of cross-border languages. From the perspective of sociolinguistic methods, the prospects for preserving the ethnic identity of speakers of cross-border Dagestan languages are described. The phenomena of ethnic identity of speakers of cross-border Dagestan languages are characterized in the context of adaptation to the conditions of states with differences in culture, language of communication, mentality, religion and other areas. Based on an analysis of the specific linguistic portrait of speakers of trans-border Dagestan languages and a description of cultural associations characteristic of their modern sociolinguistic status as divided peoples, trends towards hybridization of cultures, gradual unification of languages of universal human values are traced, with certain adjustments taking into account the religious views of residents of bordering states. The theoretical significance of the article lies in the scientific forecasting of the ways of linguistic and cultural adaptation of speakers of cross-border Dagestan languages, based on an analysis of the current situation, reflecting the conditions for preserving the languages and ethnic identity of divided peoples. The methods and techniques used can be applied to the analysis of other cross-border languages localized in multicultural regions.

ETHNIC IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AMONG RURAL ADOLESCENT YOUTH By Adam Iglesias, M.A. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Rosalie Corona, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Psychology The current study evaluated the factor analytic structure and developmental trajectory of ethnic identity, as measured by the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, (MEIM) among early rural adolescents. The convergent validity of the measure for rural youth was also examined. The sample for this study was drawn from a larger longitudinal study focusing on violence prevention efforts with an early adolescent sample residing in rural Florida. The final sample size for these secondary analyses was 5,695 participants. The sample was 53 % Caucasian, 24% Latino, 15% African American, and 8% Other. The mean age of the students was 11.3 years. Data were collected at seven time points. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with the entire sample to determine whether a twofactor model was a satisfactory fit for the entire sample at Times 1-7. Individual growth curve modeling was used to determine ethnic identity trajectories. This study demonstrated that the MEIM taps into two factors (Exploration and Commitment) for rural adolescents. Moreover, the findings demonstrated multigroup equivalence across waves 1-7 of data collection for the Caucasian, African American, and Latino groups. Further, results from the growth curve modeling procedures indicated that Caucasian participants demonstrated a greater increase in Exploration relative to Latino and African American participants. Lastly, results from the convergent validity analyses indicated that Commitment was negatively related to attitudes towards violence and positively related towards attitudes towards nonviolence. Implications for future research and prevention programs that incorporate ethnic identity constructs are discussed.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the sources of ethnopolitical conflicts in the North and South Caucasus. The factors influencing the development of ethno-political problems and crises, the fragmentation of society according to ethnocultural and religious characteristics, the politicization of ethnicity, etc. The special geostrategic importance of the Caucasus region in the foreign policy of the leading world powers, primarily Russia, is noted, in connection with which, it is analyzed: the influence of political transformations of recent decades on ethno-political processes, the role of ethnic elites, issues of intergroup interaction in the Caucasus, ethnic identity, etc. The following catalysts for ethno-political contradictions in the Caucasus region have been identified: ethno-confessional heterogeneity of the region; territorial disputes; status differences in the territorial structure of the Soviet state; irredentist tendencies. Based on the identified sources of contradictions, the following types of Caucasian ethnopolitical conflicts can be distinguished: conflicts caused by territorial disputes; conflicts associated with actions to realize the right of peoples to self-determination; Conflicts provoked by a change in political and legal status and position of administrative-territorial units.

The rapid ageing of populations around the world is creating complex challenges for national governments. The establishment of sustainable and equitable long-term care systems for old and dependent people is one of the main issues of social policy in developed countries. The aim of this work is to define a cost model for residential and day care centres for dependent persons in Cantabria (Spain). The cost model will make it possible to establish the theoretical cost of attending to the needs of the different types of dependent persons in the different types of care centres, and the methodology used could be extrapolated to other regions. The daily cost per user for elderly residential care is €53.72. The cost per user in elderly day centres (5 days) is 32.56 euros. In residential centres for people with disabilities, the values range between €47.41 and €75.25, depending on the category of the centre. In three categories of centres, the public price is not enough to cover the cost (physical disability, intellectual disability, mental illness—low care); therefore, the administration should reconsider their public prices for these kinds of centres if they want to really contribute to the sustainability of residential care centres. This research will have important implications for policy makers in the context of the fulfillment of the SDGs and where better support for old and disabled people and their carers, as well as fair and efficient financing of social care services, are essential to address the current and future challenges of dependency.

IntroductionUsing students in the Liangshan Yi autonomous prefectures of southwestern China (n = 585; 13–15 years old), we examined (i) the effects of students’ perception of their teachers’ ethnic-racial socialization on their ethnic identity and mental health outcomes of depressive and stress symptoms; (ii) the effects of students’ ethnic identity on their depressive and stress symptoms; (iii) the differential associations among these factors in Yi ethnic minority versus Han cultural majority students.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey and used multistage sampling to collect the information. Chinese-validated standardized measures were used: the Patient Health Questionaires-9, Children’s Revised Impact of Event Scale-8, Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure, Cultural Socialization Scale, and Teachers’ Attitude on Adoption of Cultural Diversity Scale. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup structural equation modeling were employed.ResultsComparing the findings in Yi and Han students, their perception of teachers’ ethnic-racial socialization had dissimilar effects on their ethnic identity and mental health outcomes. Three key findings comparing the differences between Yi and Han students were as follows: (i) students’ perception of their teachers’ multicultural socialization practices positively affected the ethnic identity of both Yi and Han young people; however, their perception of their teachers’ socializing them to their own cultures did not exert any effect; (ii) students’ perception of teachers’ multicultural socialization practices had different mental health effects on Yi versus Han students; and (iii) ethnic identity affected the mental health of Yi ethnic minority students only.ConclusionThe findings underscore the importance of teachers’ multicultural socialization in the ethnic identity development of both Yi ethnic minority and Han majority students. Ethnic identity serves as a linking variable bridging perceived teachers’ multicultural socialization practices and mental health in Yi ethnic minority students but not among the Han cultural majority youths. Research, practice, and policy implications relevant to the global context are also discussed.