Features of the Profile of Russian Identity: Experience of the Multidimensional Approach (case study of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia))

Abstract

The article presents the initial results of applying a multidimensional methodology to the sociological measurement of the level of Russian identity. The multidimensional approach to measuring the level of Russian identity was constructed based on a five-component model of in-group identification developed by K. Leach and colleagues. This methodology allows for the quantitative measurement of the degree of formation of components such as cohesion (psychological connection with other members of the community), emotional satisfaction with belonging to the community, salience (the significance of belonging to a particular community in the structure of a person's self-concept or "I-concept"), self-stereotyping (conviction of one's similarity to other members of the same community), and homogeneity (perception of the community as a whole). The empirical basis of the study was the data from a survey of residents of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) conducted in 2021-2022, that included a block of multidimensional measurements of the level of Russian identity.
 Based on the analysis conducted, the author draws several conclusions:
 1. The profile of Russian identity, in its republican variation, is characterised by relatively high levels of satisfaction and cohesion, and low levels of salience, self-stereotyping, and homogeneity. In other words, when considering these components together, it reflects the formation of perceptions of the Russian community as a whole, a collective, rather than a simple collection of people with Russian citizenship.
 2. The multidimensional approach has significantly expanded existing notions of the prevalence of identity-based foundations of Russian consolidation by providing insights into the contribution of each identifier to the overall level of Russian identity. The hierarchy of identity foundations based on their contribution to the formation of the profile of Russian identity does not align with the hierarchy of the same foundations based on their importance in the self-categorisation process.
 3. Comparing data on the profile of Russian identity in 2021 and 2022 allowed for the identification of changes in the level of Russian identity following the start of the Special Military Operation (SVO). There was a slight decrease in cohesion indicators, alongside a significant increase in satisfaction and salience indicators, while self-stereotyping and homogeneity indicators remained unchanged.
 In conclusion, it is shown that the use of a multidimensional approach to the study of Russian identity allows for a detailed examination of the structure and dynamics of Russian identity, formulated based on "classic" monomeric measurements.