Multiethnic Research Articles

Linguistic and Sociolinguistic Profile Characteristics in Religious Discourses

This article presents the results of an interdisciplinary study on respondents' linguistic profiles in relation to their ethnic and religious identities. The research focuses on how ideologemes about religion are perceived in a multilingual and multiethnic society. Since the 1990s, with the onset of sovereign development, societal values related to cultural mapping have shifted. Multilingualism, multiethnicity, and religious diversity contribute to a range of perspectives, leading to both consensus and disagreement. Discussions and communication practices reveal diverse views on key social developments, including the role and influence of religion. The study aimed to identify the linguistic and sociolinguistic profiles of respondents in their perception of religious ideologemes. Conducted at the intersection of sociolinguistics, religious studies, and sociology, the research analyzed sociological survey data and established correlations (using SPSS) between respondents’ connotations of religion and their complex self-identification (ethnic, linguistic, and religious) (N = 1800). Demarcations in understanding religion’s influence and its role were identified in both public and expert consciousness (N = 107). The study employed interdisciplinary sociocultural methods, including discourse analysis, content analysis, correlation analysis, census data analysis, comparative methods, and theoretical reconstruction. This approach allowed the researchers to establish links between the connotations of religion and respondents' multidimensional self-identification, while identifying their linguistic and sociolinguistic typological profiles and value-based distinctions. The findings may be of interest to researchers in contemporary sociolinguistics, the sociology of mass consciousness, and identity studies.

A Comparative Study of Ethnicity Differences Reflected in Films Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan and Old Beast In the Context of Multiculturalism

The transition of Mongolian cinema begins with New Historicist advancements in the post-industrial era. Through comparing Old Beast and Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan, this paper examines the development of both old and new Mongolian ethnic cinema, focusing on the factors that contributed to the emergence of new Mongolian cinema. Under the influence of multiculturalism, Inner Mongolia has experienced significant social transformation, shifting from a single-ethnic to a multi-ethnic society. Its people have moved from a traditional nomadic lifestyle to a more settled way of life. Against this backdrop, Inner Mongolia has achieved decentralization of Mongolian culture, showcasing both ethnic diversity and cultural plurality. As a result, Inner Mongolian ethnic cinema no longer focuses solely on portraying Mongolian ethnic traits but instead presents the local way of life through a New Historicist lens. Building on this, Old Beast takes a step further and breaks through the confines of New Historicism by emphasizing "historicity" and "contextualization," providing insights for the further development of Chinese Cultural Poetics. This paper aims to explore the transformation of post-modern Mongolian society and the emerging development of New Historicism as reflected in Mongolian cinema.

Do minority inclusive institutions increase electoral support for radical-right parties?

How do minority inclusive institutions that improve minority groups’ political access influence the electoral success of radical-right, anti-minority parties? I explore this question by analyzing the case of Croatia’s national minority councils, which were introduced to enhance ethnic minorities’ political voices at the local level. Using a difference-in-differences design with panel data, I find that the vote shares of radical-right parties became lower, if anything, in municipalities with a minority council. Further, analyzing georeferenced survey data, I show that the introduction of minority councils did not necessarily worsen the ethnic majority’s attitudes toward minority groups. These findings indicate that contrary to the institutional variant of group threat theory, inclusive institutions do not have to trigger electoral backlash among people in the majority. This point has important implications for institution design in multiethnic societies.

Unity in Diverse Society of Malaysia

Objective: This article aims to use historical institutionalism to examine how the Malay Bumiputera Muslims identity was constructed and analyse people’s responses to related government policies. Theoretical Framework: The role of religion in constructing an identity for Malay Bumiputera (son of the soil) Muslims, who form the majority of the population, is a topic of debate among Malaysians. Since independence in 1957, the supreme law of Malaysia, the Federal Constitution, has pronounced Islam as the official religion but other religious ideologies are allowed to be practiced. Apart from the race riots of 1969, Malaysians have been living in a harmonious and peaceful multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society; where each ethnicity promotes its own culture, while also respecting other diversities and cherishing differences to promote unity. This study applies the HI framework to examine the identity construction of Malay Bumiputera Muslims and also assess people’s responses to related government policies. Method: For empirical data analysis, the authors employ qualitative method through historical analysis based on authentic sources available in libraries as well as interviews with key informants in order to collect data from their personal opinion and experience. In other words, this comprehensive study has used mixed methods beginning with documentary analysis and using qualitative interviews to support the documentary analysis to achieve our objectives. Results and Discussion: The government has taken many steps to promote stability and racial harmony. Still, there are hurdles such as economic disparities among ethnicities, education based on vernacular languages, and others. On top of that, there are vast differences in community identity construction between the Malay Peninsula and the Borneo states, Sabah and Sarawak. To some extent, however, this historical setting has shaped Malaysian politics to be primarily centred upon the Malay and Bumiputera racial-hegemony context. This political setting cannot be avoided, but other ethnics are also permitted to form parties to represent their communities. Conclusion: To conclude, this identity construction has been a way to provide unity in diversity in the multi-racial society which is politically and socioeconomically constructed.

Intergroup hostility, perceived democratic legitimacy, and satisfaction with democracy in multi-ethnic societies

ABSTRACT Ongoing conflicts in the world serve as a reminder of the tensions between democratic institutions and unresolved ethnic grievances. While much is known about institutional factors tying ethnopolitics with democratic performance, much less attention has been given to the role of interpersonal interaction in determining the strength of democratic legitimacy. This article contributes to the existing literature by establishing the link between intergroup hostility and satisfaction with democracy (SWD). We argue that interethnic hostility aimed at undermining one’s dignity triggers a psychological response that, in the end, erodes support for a democratic regime expected to ensure equal treatment of all groups. We test our theory in the Western Balkans, using data from the Montenegrin National Election Study (2023). Our findings show that (1) there is a significant negative effect of intergroup hostility on SWD; (2) the effect of intergroup hostility is amplified by the frequency of contact between the victim and members of the alleged perpetrator’s ethnic group; (3) intergroup hostility lowers the victim’s level of SWD both directly and indirectly, through diminishing assessment of the system’s input and output legitimacy.

Ethnopolitical Trends of Party Building in Kazakhstan and China

The role of political parties in multi-ethnic states is quite complex, as they should be focused not only on political governance at the level of the state as a whole, but also on promoting national unity in interethnic relations, forming tolerant cooperation and interaction between different ethnic groups. Aim. This article aims to take the operation and development of political parties in multi-ethnic countries such as Kazakhstan and China as examples to study the role of political parties and to study cases from the practice of their activities in maintaining national stability, promoting social harmony, and protecting the interests of small ethnic groups.Tasks. One of the tasks of political parties in multi-ethnic states is to integrate different social interests and ensure that all ethnic groups have a voice and are represented in the decision-making process at the national level.Methods. Comparative analysis is used to compare models of multi-ethnic governance in different countries or regions, and to analyze the role and effectiveness of different political parties in these models. This will help to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different governance models and identify best practices. It also analyzes the reasons for the successes and failures of different countries and political parties by analyzing their historical practices of multi-ethnic governance. This will help to understand how political parties have responded to ethnic conflicts and governance challenges throughout history.Results. The research paper pointed out that the policies developed and implemented by political parties in multicultural countries in support of the cultures of different ethnic groups, the protection and promotion of the languages, religions, traditions and cultural identities of different ethnic groups, comply with the UN standards and principles on these issues. However, as shown by the political and SWOT analysis of the statutory and program documents of the political parties in the countries studied, there are problems.Conclusion. Certainly, political parties are making efforts to ensure equal opportunities and access for all ethnic groups to the economy, education, employment and so on, in order to promote the creation of a fair and inclusive society, while ensuring the civil rights of minority ethnic groups, or as it is called in international legal literature “national minorities”.

I ‘nuovi cittadini tedeschi’ e il dibattito sulla singolarità dell’Olocausto. Su «Adas Raum» di Sharon Dodua Otoo

This paper aims to investigate the relevance of Sharon Dodua Otoo’s debut novel Adas Raum in the ongoing Historikerstreit 2.0. Relevant to this new historical dispute is the possible connection between colonialism and the memory of the Holocaust. As I will show, Adas Raum seems to respond artistically to critical suggestions proposed by Michael Rothberg who interprets the link between memory and identity in a complex way, which results in non-competitive participation in collective memory construction in multi-ethnic societies and redefines the relevance of such categories as victims and perpetrators.

Institutional Discrimination in Health Security Policies against Immigrants in South Korea

Abstract Background South Korea is poised to become Asia’s first mult-iethnic society with over 5% of its population, totaling more than 2.5 million, being immigrants. This demographic shift presents significant public health challenges linked to widespread, and even intensifying, institutional discrimination in healthcare services. Methods This study reviews discriminatory practices across ten essential health security programs, including National Health Insurance (NHI) system, disability assistance, occupational health services, maternal and child care services, national immunization program, health screening program, and assistance for catastrophic medical expenses. Government data and personal narratives were also reviewed to identify the discriminatory elements that can have significant consequences, including increased disease prevalence, higher incidence of occupational injuries, and broader socio-economic instability among migrants. Results Discriminatory elements were found in most programs, with the exception of emergency medical services. These programs commonly provide fewer benefits or impose stricter eligibility criteria for migrants compared to nationals. In particular, the Korean NHI system demands migrants to pay higher premiums and more rigorous maintenance requirements. Conclusions The findings emphasize the need for urgent reforms to equalize health insurance costs, simplify eligibility criteria for migrants, and broaden the scope of benefits to encompass all residency statuses. Implementing these changes will enhance public health infrastructure, improve occupational safety, and foster better integration of the diverse population, ultimately promoting social cohesion and a fairer health system for all. Key messages • A number of discriminatory elements against migrants have been identified in South Korea’s social security policies that can exacerbate health disparities. • Reforms are needed to expand benefits and relax eligibility criteria for migrants in key healthcare policies, including the National Health Insurance system.

Extending the multiculturalism metaphors: state identity in Nasarawa State’s Su-dir dance theatre as fruit salad juice

The robust multiculturalism debate and its attendant metaphors have paid little attention to the peculiar realities of managing the inherent cultural diversity in Africa. This paper opens up the existing debate on multiculturalism, and offers an option of the Fruit Salad Juice as the identity produced through the active cultural interactions within a typical African multi-ethnic state. The Fruit Salad Juice alternative specifically applies to the theatrical performances that emanate from these multicultural collaborations. The paper examines Su-dir dance theatre being one of the products of the Let’s Sheathe Our Swords (LSOS) project launched by the Nasarawa State government of Nigeria to facilitate social therapy and cultural integration after a protracted period of inter-ethnic, religious and political crises in the state. Data for this study was collated through the participant observation and interview methods. At various points, I conducted interviews with the administrators, consultants, and artistes of the Nasarawa State Performing Troupe, as well as some members of the Su-Dir audience. Nasarawa state is conceptualized as a fruit salad bowl, and the LSOS theatrical pieces as juice produced thereof. The idea of Fruit Salad Juice is demonstrated in the evidence of inclusivity and state identity found in the compositional elements of the Su-dir dance theatre and other outcomes of the LSOS project.

The Participation of Ethnic Groups and Minorities in Political and Institutional Life in Kosovo

Abstract This paper explores the participation and engagement of ethnic groups and minorities in Kosovo’s political and institutional life during the post-war period (after 1999) and the post-independence phase (after 2008). The involvement of minorities in Kosovo’s institutional framework is grounded in the concept of a multiethnic state, with constitutional and legal provisions ensuring their rights. These provisions enable minorities to participate in all areas of state activity within the Republic of Kosovo. The paper addresses how circumstances and opportunities for participation have evolved, the challenges, threats, and risks faced, and what legislative measures have been enacted to ensure the political and institutional representation of ethnic groups and minorities.

Characteristics of Ethnic Identity in Individuals with Character Accentuation

The article deals with the problem of ethnic identity in individuals with character accentuation in the context of modern multi-ethnic society. As a key component of social identity, ethnic identity affects interethnic interaction and social behavior. Loss of ethnic identity can lead to negative emotional reactions and destructive behaviors. Just as character accentuations manifest themselves in the form of disharmonic types of ethnic identity. The study covered 160 students under the age of 25. The experimental group consisted of 80 respondents with different accentuations of character. The study of character accentuations was carried out with the help of the Dvorchenko Test of Personal Accentuations (TPA), a modified version of the Patodiagnostic questionnaire by Lichko. Ethnic identity was studied using the methodology “Types of Ethnic Identity” by Soldatova and Ryzhova. The results showed that among individuals with character accentuations, the most common are the hysteric (61.25%), schizoid (25%) and epileptoid types of accentuation (22.5%). Ethnic indifference prevails in this group, while positive ethnic identity dominates students with no character accentuations. Statistical analysis using the Fisher angular transformation confirmed significant differences between the groups. For the positive ethnic identity parameter in the control sample, the incidence was higher than in accentuated (φ=3.18, p 0.01). While the type of ethnic indifference is significantly higher in the group of individuals with character accents (φ=1.73, p=0.05). The data analysis indicates that individuals with character accentuations show a low level of interest in issues of ethnic identity and are inclined to ethnic indifference. These findings underscore the need to take into account psychological characteristics in the analysis of ethnic identity.

Проблемы традиционной культуры коренных малочисленных народов юга Дальнего Востока России и роли государства в этих процессах (XX–начало XXI века)

During the XX-XXI centuries, aboriginal ethnic groups turned from independent ethnic formations into constituent parts of a large multinational state, with a fundamentally different spiritual dominant, a different social structure and type of economy. The changes affected both traditional material and spiritual culture. In the process of these changes, the concepts themselves were transformed, the lines between tradition and reality began to blur, since the latter is in constant dynamics. We made an attempt to assess the role of the state in the ongoing processes, as well as to compare the situation with the indigenous minorities in neighboring China, and note general trends. The study identifies the role of the main factors that influenced global transformations in the field of spiritual and material development of the Primorye Territrory, as well as outlines a somewhat new understanding of the problem of preserving ethnic identity.

Formation of Muslim Units in the Context of the Mobilization Processes in the Volga Region, and the Urals during the First World War (1914–1918)

This article analyzes the creation and functioning of the 95th Reserve Infantry Regiment in the Russian Empire during World War I. The focus is on the issues of nationalization and the Muslimization of the regiment’s composition, which represented an important stage in the reform of the Russian army within a multi-ethnic state. The author examines how the process of Muslimization contributed to strengthening national identity among Muslim servicemen and facilitated their integration into the army. The article also explores the impact of these changes on public sentiment, relationships between different ethnic groups, and their perceptions of military service. Special attention is paid to the analysis of interactions between Muslim units, military command, and authorities, as well as their role in the mobilization processes of that time. The study synthesizes historical sources and archival data, providing a comprehensive investigation of the influence of Muslim military units on the development of the army and society in the context of war and revolution.

When Our History Meets Their History: Strategies Young People in Serbia Use to Coordinate Conflicting Group Narratives

ABSTRACTWhen a multiethnic state, such as the former Yugoslavia, dissolves in a violent ethnic‐based conflict, new generations grow up on one‐sided historical narratives. While there is plenty of evidence of how appropriating such narratives delegitimises outgroups, studies on how young people coordinate diverse group narratives are lacking. To address this issue, we explored promotive strategies young majority group members use in building a more inclusive historical understanding of two conflicting (majority and minority) narratives. The sample consisted of ten pairs of ethnic Serb high school seniors with a task to jointly build one common narrative of two one‐sided narratives adapted from post‐conflict textbooks of majority (Serb) and minority (Bosniak) ethnic groups. We used step‐by‐step dialogical analysis of semantic promoters in participants' interactions to capture how ingroup and outgroup perspectives are collaboratively positioned. Our results suggest that participants use various cognitive, affective, identity and value‐based strategies to coordinate conflicting perspectives. The identified promotive strategies can help in developing evidence‐based educational materials and teaching environments, especially in post‐conflict and divided societies.

The Power of Liberal Nationalism

ABSTRACT: Diversity poses no threat to democracy. What does imperil democracy are demagogues who deprive minorities of rights and claim that vesting themselves with extraordinary powers is vital to guarding the ethnic majority against the purported predations of minorities and immigrants. Virtually everywhere such demagogues have gained the upper hand. Moreover, they have claimed superiority as patriots and protectors of the nation. Democracy's liberal defenders have often neglected the power of nationalism, regarding it as an unsavory atavism. If they are to successfully defend democracy in multiethnic societies, liberals must stop conflating nationalism with nativism and ethnonationalism, seize the flag, and arm themselves with emotionally compelling national-democratic narratives that appeal more widely than the biased tales spun by the illiberal foes of free government.

Communication Networks and the Transnational Spread of Ethnic Conflict

How the interconnectedness of the global system influences the network of ethnic conflict communication is the focus of this work. The study aims at understanding how the analyses of ethnic conflicts gather momentum and spread throughout the world through the review of literature, case studies, and media coverage, social media issues, and deliberate disinformation campaigns. The study employs a qualitative approach, drawing on secondary sources and theoretical frameworks to explore hypotheses that talk about how media coverage is rising in proportion to the ethnic conflict’s transnational diffusion, how social media usage is connected with diaspora mobilisation and conflict extension, and how the purposeful spread of fake news increases the intensity and geographical scope of the conflict. The Rohingya crisis is also one of the best examples of the shifts in communication networks and their impact on the ethnic conflicts by influencing the international community’s perception and response. Communications networks may have the potential to escalate conflict and ‘spread’ wrong information, but they also have the potential to create awareness and tackle conflict. In the light of these observations, the study offers recommendations in the areas of codes of ethical media practices, regulation of use of social media, especially in multi-ethnic societies, to prevent incitement, and techniques of combating disinformation.

THE VIRTUE OF DIVERSITY: PERCEPTIONS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA OF YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CIVIL SOCIETY REGARDING SELF-IDENTIFICATION AND THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ACTORS IN THE CONTEXT OF EU ACCESSION

The military aggression of Russia against Ukraine has provoked collective anxiety within the population of the Republic of Moldova around a potential targeting of the country, while increasing collective efficacy and nationhood. The article explores the construction of identity among young Moldovans in civil society, particularly in the context of EU accession. Moldova, as a multiethnic state, has been grappling with identity disputes since its first multiparty elections in 1994. The authors investigate ethnic identification and positioning towards international actors, aiming to understand how internal and external loyalties overlap and can emerge in building a new civic identity beyond the post-Soviet legacy. The study shows a revaluation of ethnic components and the connection with geopolitics. Before the Ukrainian war, the prolonged economic and political crises in the country, as well as the great power politics, had prompted the younger generations to be disconnected from the political, economic, and social aspects of public life. As such, they maintain a sense of social integration within their familial and friendship networks, which contributes to their sense of belonging within Moldovan society. The article examines the connection between self-identification and the geopolitical structures within the Republic of Moldova. The empirical part of the research involves 18 semi-structured interviews with Moldovan youth involved in civil society organizations, focusing on patterns of self-identification, including Pan-Romanianism, Moldovianism, Transnistrian ideology, and Gagauzian regional identity. The study also highlights the importance of pluralistic identification in which economic development is crucial in building up a consistent identification narrative.

Malulo Tradition in the Wedding Ceremony of Tolaki People in North Kolaka Perspective of Urf

Malulo, a traditional dance of the Tolaki people, is integral to various religious and social activities such as harvests, weddings, and aqiqah. This research explores the cultural significance of the Malulo dance in Kecamatan Lambai, Kabupaten Kolaka Utara, and examines its alignment with Islamic values, particularly regarding interactions between men and women. The study addresses whether the physical contact in the dance contradicts Islamic teachings and offers solutions to preserve the tradition while adhering to religious principles. Using a qualitative approach, interviews with religious leaders, cultural practitioners, and community members were conducted, alongside an analysis of Islamic legal perspectives on urf (customs). The findings show that while Malulo fosters community cohesion and has deep cultural roots, the practice of hand-holding between non-mahram men and women is seen as inconsistent with Islamic teachings. The research suggests modifications, such as separating men and women during the dance, to preserve the tradition without violating religious values. The study's originality lies in its attempt to reconcile a local cultural tradition with Islamic jurisprudence, offering a balanced solution that respects both heritage and religious principles. This approach highlights the broader importance of harmonizing cultural practices with religious norms, particularly in multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies, and could serve as a model for resolving similar conflicts elsewhere.

Культурологический аспект понятия «гражданская идентичность»

The article is devoted to the concept of “civic identity”. This concept has become a working term in a number of regulatory state documents on strategic planning in the Russian Federation adopted in recent decades. It is also used in domestic social science, philosophy, and the media. But this term is used in the Russian language space. The authors point to the relationship between the concepts of “civiс identity” and “national identity”. In the English-language tradition (and a number of other European language traditions), the term “national identity” denotes a set of forms of social identity that define an individual as a citizen in a national state. But in the Russian space, the concept of “nation” itself is traditionally understood as “ethnonation”, and in the Russian multinational state the use of the concept of “national identity” brings up difficulties of a legal, ethical, and cultural nature. To a certain extent, the concept of “civic identity” may be close to the concept of “macropolitical identity”, but civic identity is somewhat broader than macropolitical identity, the latter covering only the political aspects of an individual’s activity. The article also points out the inadequacy of understanding civic identity as awareness of legally formalized citizenship in the Russian Federation, with all the ensuing rights and obligations. The main thesis of the article is that civiс identity should have value and cultural foundations in addition to legal and political ones. Based on the concept of a “civilization state” put forward in the “Concept of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation” in March 2023, the authors point to the possibility of bringing the concept of “civic identity” closer to the term “civilizational identity”. It is noted that these concepts are not identical, but civic identity also adopts values declared at the state level and accepts the historical heritage of the state through culture.

Identity Movements and Identity Politics: Indian Constitutional Framework

Every society is, in some or the other way, a product of a region, ethnicity, gender, race, polity or any other social construct and therefore developing some form and shape of identity is but an essential eventuality. Here the concept of society is expanded to the totality of social phenomena and is recognized by common identity. Therefore, the severe partitions and divisions in India have led to the increase in the scenario of identity politics. Consider the concepts of Pluralism and Multiculturalism that has transformed into identity politics and defined certain groups by their race or ethnicity, where those identities became the catalyst for desiring political power. Identity formation is a process that involves the advancement of social identities based on various parameters including ethnicity and religion. There are ways in which identity creates divisions between heterogeneous groups. For instance, in present day Indian polity the factors like caste, language and even religion do not remain subtle but dominate the politics of the region. Further, this type of concentration on the issue creates a serious imbalance regarding the processes of development in Indian states dominated by the liberal politics. These minorities’ national, ethnic or religious rights are codified in the laws of various multi-national states, where the attention for the cultures of the ‘others’ is notably peripheral. Such considerations, regarding the nationalities and regarding cultural diversities, have social, political and economical consequences.