Ethnic identity of saami teenagers – representatives of the indigenous peoples of the far north of Russia

Abstract

This article addresses the problem of studying ethnic identity in Saami adolescents, representatives of indigenous peoples of the Russian Far North. The aim of the research is to study ethnic identity in adolescent Saami boys and girls. The article presents the results of an empirical research conducted using the “Types of ethnic identity” technique developed by G.U. Soldatova and S.V. Ryzhova. 39 Saami adolescents aged 12-13 years (18 boys and 21 girls) and 40 Saami adolescents aged 14-15 years (23 boys and 17 girls) participated in our empirical research as respondents. All the respondents live in the village of Lovozero in the Murmansk region. To identify specific features of ethnic identity development among Saami adolescents, we included ethnic Russian adolescent respondents: 59 people aged 12-13 years (31 boys and 28 girls), and 62 people aged 14-15 years (32 boys and 30 girls). Empirical data was collected in the period from April to May 2018. The analysis of the empirical research results allowed us to identify the dynamics in the development of ethno-nihilism, ethnic indifference, positive ethnic identity, ethno-egoism, ethno-isolationism and ethno-fanaticism in adolescent Saami boys and girls (12 to 15 years). The research revealed specific features of ethnic identity in Saami adolescents in comparison with their ethnic Russian agemates. The results of this research can be used to preserve and develop ethnic identity among indigenous adolescents in the Arctic territories of the European North of Russia. In future, this will allow to develop individual routes of training and education for indigenous adolescents in the Far North, to improve the system of psychological counselling and support. This will provide prospects for preservation of indigenous culture, traditions and ethnic identity, which will in its turn contribute to the development of the Northern territories, implementation of national interests, and achievement of the state strategic goals in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.