UDC

316.334.52:316.347+94(470)

Authors

Anton M. Maksimov
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov
prosp. Lomonosova 2, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation;
e-mail: a.m.maksimov@narfu.ru
Aleksandr M. Tamitskiy
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov
prosp. Lomonosova 2, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation;
e-mail: a.tamitskij@narfu.ru

Abstract

This article considered the results of an empirical research into the opinions of the inhabitants of the Arkhangelsk Region and Nenets Autonomous Area about the state of interethnic relations on those territories. The study was based on a public opinion survey that had been conducted in the summer of 2015 (the sample included 700 people). The survey was able to identify the population’s assessments of and opinions on the nature of interethnic relations and the reasons for any increased interethnic tensions, as well as their attitude towards various ethnic minorities. In general, the people living in the regions under study demonstrate a high level of tolerance in the context of ethnic interactions and consider conflicts due to ethnic differences on their territory to be unlikely. However, the authors also found that a statistically significant number of respondents feel certain ethnic tensions and find that ethnic minorities can pose a threat to their social well-being. In particular, some respondents expressed concerns about the increasing number of in-migrants of other nationalities and exacerbation of economic competition between them and the local population. However, official statistics do not confirm that there are any economic or demographic prerequisites for this. From our point of view, the identified negative ethnic stereotypes result from the respondents’ involvement into discursive practices through which ethnic and cultural differences are hypostatized and cultural distance is reconstructed between the members of various ethnic groups. The authors come to the conclusion that this factor can be one of the main risks in the implementation of the state ethnic policy in these regions.

Keywords

Arkhangelsk Region, Nenets Autonomous Area, interethnic relations, ethnic minorities, reasons for interethnic tensions, state ethnic policy

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