CITY IDENTITY IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE URBAN IDENTITY OF IZHEVSK RESIDENTS

Abstract

The article discusses the issue of correlation between urban identity and Izhevsk identity as the capital of Russia’s region. The discussion is underpinned by the notion of urban identity which is understood as self-identification of an individual against city residents; city identity is understood as an image of city territory, city communities and urban society. The analysis of correlation between urban identity and city identity shows that identity of the city is cognitive component of urban identity, alongside with its affective and praxeological component. The aim of the research was to identify the issue of Izhevsk identity as a component of urban identity of Izhevsk residents. Based on the results of empirical research, which was carried out through surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, it was stated that the identity of Izhevsk is of controversial character, and can be seen from binary positions: “capital-region”, “uniqueness-typicality”, “innovation-tradition”, “social stability-social instability”, “initiative-passive”. The hypothesis that the identity of Izhevsk as a cognitive component of urban identity is controversial and ambivalent has been proved. It is underpinned by the opinion of respondents who found the city identity problematic and motivates to develop urban identity via activating its praxeological component.