Актуализация идентичностей в молодежной среде. Часть 1: постановка проблемы и методика исследования

Abstract

The article presents the first part of the results of an interdisciplinary identity research focused on the correlation and actualization of various types of identity among young people in the North Caucasus Federal District in Russia. The purpose of this part of the publication is to give the theoretical basis of the research problem and to describe the methodological approach. The expansion of the “identity” concept in the management sphere and in the practice of applied public administration necessitate the development of identity researches, deepening the accumulated experience and testing new methods and approaches to the study of the identity phenomenon and its functioning in a society. These processes are also typical for Russia, where the identity politics is gradually strengthening its position in the public, and the concept of “identity” is actively used by the national leadership and in administration of the national relations sphere. At the same time, the discourse of identity politics in the Russian public sphere is mainly based on a discussion about the interrelation between ethnic and civic identity, while other types of identity come into view during periods of their temporary actualization or politicization. The object of the research is the youth of the North Caucasian Federal District. The youth as a reference group is a heart of identity and youth politics intersection. The choice of the region under study is defined by the diversity and close intertwining of various types of identities among North Caucasus population, as well as the attention of the federal authorities to this population group. The study of identities actualization in the youth environment of the North Caucasus is built on the principle of “career guidance” of the individual, revealing the degree of actualization of one of four types of identity (Russian civil, ethnic, territorial, religious) in relation to each respondent individually and in aggregate to the entire sample. A sociological questionnaire survey was chosen as a primary research method. The research results will be
presented in a separate article (part 2).