Sense of belonging to Latvia in Latvian- and Russian-speaking residents of Latvia

Abstract

This study examined the sense of belonging to Latvia in Latvian-speaking and Russianspeaking residents of Latvia. The structural model involved opportunities for the fulfillment of personal goals and views of the situation in Latvia and the community as predictors of the sense of belonging at both levels of ecological systems. The Russianspeaking subsample consisted of 202 students ranging in age from 18 to 36 (65% females). The Latvian-speaking subsample involved 438 students ranging in age from 18 to 37 (67% females). The Sense of Belonging in Social Context Questionnaire and the Future of Country Questionnaire were applied. Belonging to community predicted belonging to Latvia in both groups of residents. However, the Russian-speaking minority group demonstrated more signs of local belonging and pragmatic ties with Latvia. Providing opportunities for fulfilment of personal goals and facilitating involvement of young people in processes at the country level are challenges for policies, aimed at integration and limiting emigration of young people.