The Forms of Social Activity as Predictors of Regional Identity among Young People

Abstract

Objective. To consider the forms of social activity as predictors of the formation of beliefs and regional identity.
Background. The social activity of modern youth is characterized by a variety of different forms, both in real and virtual environments. It is necessary to analyze and scientifically comprehend the influence of various forms of social activity on the formation of regional identity and beliefs of young people.
Study design. After carrying out the diagnostic stage of the study, which includes obtaining indicators regarding beliefs, regional identity, as well as social activity, a regression analysis was carried out. This method was used to identify predictors of regional identity and beliefs. All the author's scales have been peer-reviewed by social psychologists and checked for internal consistency.
Participants. 920 respondents, 35% male, aged 14-35 years, average age 20 years. Of these, 7% live in rural areas, 24% in small towns, 63% in large cities, and 6% in megacities.
Measurements. Scales aimed at measuring various types of social activity (R.M. Shamionov, M.V. Grigorieva, I.V. Arendachuk, etc.). Author's scales aimed at studying the assessment of civic consciousness. Questionnaire “Scale of basic beliefs” (adapted by O.A. Kravtsova).
Results. The main predictors of regional identity are such forms of social activity as Internet search, professional and subcultural. Positive predictors are a professional group, a subcultural group, and a negative predictor is a form of activity associated with the search for information and social contacts in a virtual environment. No significant predictors among the forms of social activity for the beliefs “Favor of the world” and “Justice of the world” have been identified. For the “Kindness of People” belief, the main positive predictors are civic, professional, and subcultural forms of activity, and the negative predictor is Internet–network activity. The main positive predictor for the belief “Controllability of the world” is civic activity, and the negative one is family and household activity. For the belief “Randomness of what is happening”, the positive predictor is Internet network activity, and the negative predictors are leisure and subcultural. Leisure activity is a positive predictor for the belief in the value of one's self, and subcultural activity is a negative predictor. For the “Degree of self-control” belief, the main positive predictor is Internet network activity, and the negative predictors are socio-political and Internet search activity. The main negative predictor for the belief “Degree of luck” is educational and developmental activity.
Conclusions. The regional identity of young people is slightly determined by the forms of social activity in which young people are included. The main predictors of regional identity are those forms of social activity that are implemented in local groups at the regional level (professional, subcultural). The most significant predictors of the forms of social activity of young people for the basic beliefs of the individual are Internet-network and subcultural activity, acting as a predictor for the 3 basic beliefs.