ETHNIC IDENTITY AS A SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL PHENOMENON: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH METHODS

Abstract

This article presents a detailed theoretical analysis of ethnic identity as a socio-psychological phenomenon. The structure of ethnicity is outlined (cognitive, affective and behavioral components). Ethnic identity is regarded as an integral part of social identity. On the individual level ethnic identity is viewed as a special form of Self-concept, at the same time ethnicity is considered as a group characteristic. This paper examines research methods which are used to measure ethnic identity in Russian and foreign cross-cultural studies. Foreign surveys which are dedicated to the examination of ethnic identity are divided by the author of the article into two categories: culture-specific methods (e.g. surveys which can be used to study only one specific ethnic or cultural group) and general methods (surveys which can be used among respondents who come from different ethnic backgrounds taking into account translation and adaptation of these methods). The present article provides evidence that in Russian psychological tradition cognitive and affective components of the ethnic identity are primarily measured. Behavioral context of ethnicity is examined occasionally. Modern Russian and foreign surveys which measure behavioral component of ethnicity and which are rarely used in contemporary Russian ethnopsychological empirical studies are described in detail. The studies of how identity is translated into everyday practices as well as the degree of behavioral involvement with an ethnic group and studies dedicated to the factors which influence the revival of ethnicity are viewed as perspective goals for contemporary researchers.