Armenian Diaspora of Mordovia: Socio-Cultural Portrait (Experience of Sociological Analysis)

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of studying national diasporas in Russia is due to the intensification of ethno-confessional contradictions in the near abroad and the expansion of migration flows. The importance of the issues of adaptation and integration of migrants within the framework of established regional societies increases, a certain conflict potential within diasporas is fixed. The scientific novelty consists in the fact that the data of the sociological study of the Armenian Diaspora for 2023 was introduced into scientific circulation. The purpose of the article is to describe the sociocultural portrait of the Armenian Diaspora in the conditions of a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional region (Republic of Mordovia).Methodology and sources. The genre of the sociological portrait in the framework of the study of society involves a comprehensive description of society, a systematic analysis of its basic characteristics. The authors compiled a sociocultural portrait of the Armenian diaspora, and at the same time emphasized the problems of adaptation and integration of Armenians into the multiethnic space of the region.Results and discussion. The primary data were the results of two waves of sociological research in 2017 and 2023, conducted by employees of the State Institution of the Republic of Moldova «Scientific Center for Socio-Economic Monitoring». 185 respondents were interviewed in 2017 and 285 in 2023. The sample is targeted, the recruitment of respondents was carried out through regional diaspora networks, as well as by the «snowball» method. As a result, the features of the settlement of the Armenian Diaspora, employment and labor practices are identified. The article characterizes the ethnic and confessional attitudes of the diaspora, and also reveals the specifics of social identity and linguistic attitudes.Conclusion. The socio-cultural portrait of the Armenian Diaspora in Mordovia is quite static and differs in already formed features. The social well-being of Armenians in Mordovia is generally positive. Positive assessments prevail in the perception of the financial situation, relations with the local society, and respect for their rights. The integration processes taking place in the Armenian Diaspora are characterized by a high degree of expression and positive dynamics, but do not imply complete assimilation. Integration occurs with varying degrees of intensity in specific areas of everyday life, such as economic, social, cultural and political.