Preservation of ethnocultural diversity and fairness in interethnic relations in the estimations of the population of the south of Russia

Abstract

The article examines views on the issue of preserving and reproducing ethnocultural diversity in the context of multicultural regions in Southern Russia, within the framework of the perception of the implementation of the state's national policy in the categories of social justice in interethnic relations. The authors consider this issue within the discourse of public policy and the everyday perception of ethnic groups residing in Southern Russia. The article is based on materials from exploratory sociological research conducted through questionnaire surveys of the population in the regions of Southern Russia, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with experts in the field of implementing the state's national policy (government officials, scholars, researchers, diaspora representatives). The research covered five regions of Southern Russia (Rostov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Republic of Kalmykia, Republic of Crimea, Karachay-Cherkess Republic).
 The article analyses perceptions of ethnocultural diversity in the context of justice in interethnic relations at the regional level. It also explores the connection between identification and socio-psychological characteristics (subjective assessments of violations of rights based on nationality) and the conviction of ethnic groups regarding the observance of justice while preserving the cultural diversity of their people in the region of residence (culture, language, and the development of ethnocultural infrastructure).
 The conducted analysis reveals that issues related to the preservation and development of ethnocultural diversity hold a prominent position in the population's views in the Southern Russian regions regarding the fair regulation of interethnic relations. Points of contention that translate social tension into interethnic tension often revolve around questions of historical memory linked to various forms of ethnic-based deprivation. It is established that the demand for the reproduction of ethnocultural diversity in the regions of Southern Russia is determined by the subjective experience of perceiving violations of rights based on nationality, assessments of justice in managing interethnic relations by the state, and the respondent's type of identity. The core understanding of justice for ethnic groups is linked to sociocultural aspects, and their demand for preserving culture, language, and traditions, regardless of their region of residence, is associated with concerns about their potential loss.