ACTUAL IDENTITY AND INTERETHNIC RELATIONS IN VOLGA REGION 

Drobizheva Leokadiya Mikhaylovna, Doctor of historical sciences, professor, head of the Interethnic relations research center, the Institute of Sociology of RAS (building 5, 24/35 Krzhizhanovskogo street, Moscow, Russia), drobizheva@yandex.ru
Kosharnaya Galina Borisovna, Doctor of sociological sciences, professor, head of sub-department of sociology and human resource management, Penza State University (40 Krasnaya street, Penza, Russia), k-galina1@yandex.ru

316.52

10.21685/2072-3016-2016-4-12

Background. The nature of interethnic relations in polyethnic regions of Russia is a crucial indicator of society’s stability. In this connection, a research of the international accord potential both in the modern Russian society in whole and in individual multinational regions of the country is of special topicality and urgency. The goal of the article is to analyze the international accord potential in polyethnic regions of Volga region.
Materials and methods. On the basis of a sociological research carried out in 2015–2016 in the framework of a RHSF grant the authors analyzed individual aspects of international relations in Volga region. The main research methods included a mass questionnaire for respondents from Penza, Saratov, Ulyanovsk regions and the Republic of Tatarstan (quota, gender, age and nationality sampling).
Results. The research carried out showed the absolute majority of Russians (87,1 %), as well as other nationalities (Tatars – 83,5 %, Mordvinians – 87,6 %), believing that violence in international and interreligious relations is unacceptable.
Conclusions. The international accord in polyethnic regions of Russia is supported by the historical memory, traditions, common goals and values, friendly relations  between people of different nationalities.

international accord, interethnic intolerance, integration resources, ethnic and civil identity, polyethnic region

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