ON THE QUESTION OF THE FORMATION OF ETHNIC IDENTITY

The increase of ethnic activities in a contemporary world is connected with the phenomenon of ethnic identity. This article is dedicated to the topical theme of the development of ethnic identity. The purpose of this work is the analysis of the stages of the formation of ethnic identity. Ethnic identity is regarded as a part of social identity as well as a process of awareness of the belonging to a particular ethnic group. This article examines domestic and foreign classifications of the formation of ethnic identity. In the current work cross-cultural studies connected to the differences in ethnic belonging at different age periods are examined. The present paper addresses ethnic perceptions, ethnodifferentiating traits as well as the main socialization agents that influence the development of ethnic identity in each individual age period. The methodological difficulties that researchers face in studying the formation of ethnic identity are indicated. The results of the study of the formation of ethnic identity on the example of the biographical method “Ethnic autobiography” are considered. Four stages of ethnic identity formation are highlighted: preschool age, primary school age, adolescence, youth age. In preschool age ethnic perceptions are characterized by instability and socialization agents such as family and preschool institutions play a significant role. In the primary school age school and peers play an important role in the development of ethnic identity. This period is characterized by the diffusiveness of ideas about one's own ethnic identity. In adolescence affective component of identity prevails over the other components. This stage is characterized by a deeper understanding of one’s ethnicity, the commonality of historical fate and religion. Awareness of ethnic identity based on ethnodifferentiating traits occurs in adolescence and considered as most stable compared to previous age periods. This age is characterized by the most complete system of self-awareness as a member of the ethnic community. The process of ethnic identity formation does not end in youth due to the fact that questions about ethnicity can be raised at other stages of a person's life path.