The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Population Identities

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2023-4/37-50

Abstract

In the context of an overview analysis of population dynamics, migration processes, ethnic composition and historical consequences of the social and economic development of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the paper presents the results of a survey on two projects: «Ethno-demographic processes in Asian Russia: current situation, forecasts and risks» and «The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and big challenges: social well-being, mobility, adaptation strategies». Based on these results, integration factors and the formation of civil, regional and ethnic identities are analyzed. The main integration factors in the formation of national identity in Yakutia mentioned were such standardized attributes as «state», «Russian language», «culture, customs», etc. The identifying signs and principles of the Russian national community are important for the population of the region and testify to the full inclusion in the system of values of Russian society. As for regional identity, almost every second respondent mentioned «proximity» to «their region (republic)». Compared with the results for 12 surveyed regions of Asian Russia, the republic is characterized by a high level of regional identity, which we assess as a positive factor. 56.8% of respondents consider it necessary to feel part of their ethnic group. If in 2002 “about 80% of the Yakuts… and about half of the Russians” in Yakutia chose the answer “One needs to feel themselves a part of their people”, then we can assume that ethnic identity is undergoing transformation, its role in the social space is reducing, it is becoming more complicate and transiting to multicomponent identities.