Dynamics of civic identity and its potential in positive integration processes in the Russian community

Abstract

The paper provides scientific definition and describes public perceptions of civic identity. Conceptual approaches towards civic identity and the dynamics of its public perceptions and identity changes during 2005—2015 are presented in the article. The study is based on the data of the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS-HSE) and results of a survey conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) and the Federal Agency for Nationality Affairs. The author analyzes the growth and changes in civic identity compared to ethnic and regional identity. The paper highlights that tendency towards parity between these identities which replaced ethnic identity dominance is prevalent. The paper also investigates public representations of civic identity and concludes that the unifying role of state is the strongest representation. There are indications that the Russian civic identity can be referred to as national and civic identity. The author assumes that one of the reasons behind inadequate understanding of civic identity is insufficient scientific study of the issue and poor public dissemination (in media and ed-ucation spheres). A number of measures to develop consolidation trends in the Russian polyethnic space are proposed by the author.