Ethno-cultural neo-traditionalism as a resource of identity formation in the contemporary social and cultural transformations

This article aims to explain ethnocultural neo-traditionalism as a tool for the formation of ethnic and national identity and for identification of possible interconnection and synergy of these types of identity. The authors interpret ethno-cultural neo-traditionalism and identity problems as the global manifestation of ambiguous consequences of the contemporary socio-cultural transformations. They argue for treating it as a resource for the formation of ethnic and national identity, analyzing the problems and contradictions arising in this case. The potential possibilities of the proposed conceptual scheme are illustrated by two illustrative cases: Breton (Celtic people in France) and Selkup (Siberian people in Russia). In order to achieve this goal, besides the case study, the authors have used sociocultural approach in its authorial interpretation, which allows considering ethnocultural neo-traditionalism, first, as an inter-cultural phenomenon — the effect of interaction between different ethnocultures — and second, as an integrative policy that consolidates the potential of the ethnos in synchrony and diachrony. The analysis of Breton neo-traditionalism from the abovementioned positions allowed to reveal such features as participation in the Breton cultural movement of authentic bearers of tradition, its transmission to new generations through direct immersion in a living tradition, participation in the movement of families and its mass character, absence of borders between spectators and performers, accumulation of various modifications and local variations of cultures, enrichment of tradition with modern elements and experimentation, urban localization of holidays, formation of cultural industry, and organization of international cultural festivals, inclusive of various social and cultural practices. Such experience, presented in the Selkup cultural movement, forms and confirms a positive ethnic identity with the assistance of the state. Cultural expansion and international recognition of ethnocultural non-traditionalism practices remove the problem of local ethno-political ambitions and strengthen national identity as a prerequisite for the development of ethnic identity. Thus, the analysis shows the possibilities of cooperation, synergy of national and ethnic identities based on the implementation of the strategy of ethno-cultural non-traditionalism.