Civil identity and cultural-historical memory of the young generation of Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics

Abstract

Introduction. Modern socio-political realities, priorities of Russian educational policy, and strengthening of the role of education actualize the issue of forming civil identity and cultural-historical memory of the young generation of Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, which is a crucial condition for their integration into the Russian space. The study aims to theoretically and empirically analyze the civic identity and cultural-historical memory of the aforementioned population group. Materials and methods. The empirical research involved 185 students aged 14-17, 60.5% female and 39.5% male, living in Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. The following methods were applied: theoretical – analysis of the research subject based on philosophical, psychological and pedagogical literature review, generalization and systematization of the data obtained; empirical – questionnaire, survey, and conversation. Results. Based on the analysis and generalization of scientific literature, the essence and specificity of civic identity and cultural-historical memory was identified, the relationship between these phenomena was established, indicators for their assessment were selected, and a questionnaire “Civic identity and cultural-historical memory of the young generation” was developed. The empirical study determined that more than a half of the young people in Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics associate themselves with Russians and Russia (64.3%), indicating the Russian Federation as their place of birth and residence (87.3%). More than 80% know state symbols, main historical events, are ready to act for the benefit of the Motherland (49.7%) and feel proud of the country (69.2%). At the same time, less than half of the respondents are not fully aware of the cultural heritage of Russia and of outstanding figures of culture, science and art. Less than 50% are characterized by fairly low social activity (participation in social projects, events, volunteer activities); 82.6% of survey participants are ready to leave the country if they are offered a well-paid job abroad. These contradictory results indicate the insufficient formation of civil identity and cultural-historical memory of the young people of Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics. Conclusion. The results of the empirical study can serve as basis for developing a model of civic identity and culturalhistorical memory formation, for creating pedagogical conditions to implement this model in educational practice, and for making methodological recommendations for the civic-patriotic education of the young generation in Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics. Prospects for further work are related to expanding the empirical base of the study and increasing the sample of respondents, as well as developing an adaptive system for the formation of civic identity and cultural-historical memory of the above-mentioned population group.