Ethnocultural processes and interethnic relations in the Chuvash Republic in the first quarter of the 21st century: some results and lessons learned
Boyko I.I., Gavrilov A.D., Kharitonova V.G.
380-394 p.
doi.org: https://doi.org/10.22378/he.2026-11-2.380-394
EDN: TLMSNS
Abstract. The article presents an attempt to overview the interim results of research conducted by scholars from Chuvashia who study the ethnocultural processes in the republic in the first quarter of the current century. The paper focuses on the analysis of sociological surveys conducted among the population of Chuvashia, both as a part of nationwide projects and within the research programs of the Chuvash State Institute of Humanities. The research focus is directed on highlighting such issues as national identity, ethnocultural complexity, and the foundations of ethnic solidarity. The surveys reveal that the level of all-Russian self-identification in Chuvashia has reached up to 90% in recent years, however, at the same time a rather critical attitude towards some groups of fellow Russians, in particular, those from the republics of the North Caucasus, has been recorded. The results of surveys of Chuvash residents indicate that a significant proportion of them are characterized by a complex ethno-cultural identity, primarily manifested in their identification as both Chuvash and Russian. At the same time, the materials of the All-Russian Population Census of 2020/2021 recorded hardy any evidence of a corresponding trend. This contradiction is explained in the article. Finally, the study explores the foundations of ethnocultural identity among the Chuvash and Russians, with an emphasis on both similarities in their preferences and characteristics specific to representatives of each ethnic group.
Keywords: Chuvash Republic; sociological surveys; ethnocultural development; interethnic relations; civil identity; ethnocultural complexity; ethnic solidarity
For citation: Boyko I.I., Gavrilov A.D., Kharitonova V.G. (2026) Ethnocultural processes and interethnic relations in the Chuvash Republic in the first quarter of the 21st century: some results and lessons learned. Istoricheskaya etnologiya [Historical Ethnology]. Vol. 11. No. 2: 380–394. https://doi.org/10.22378/he.2026-11-2.380-394 (In Russ.)
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About the authors: Ivan I. Boyko, Doctor Sc. (History), Chief Research Fellow of the historical department, Chuvash State Institute of Humanities (1 Building, 29 Moskovsky Ave., Cheboksary 428015, Russian Federation); Leading Research Fellow, Distributed Scientific Center for Interethnic and Religious Problems, Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (32а Leninsky Ave., Moscow 119334, Russian Federation); https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9202-615X; e-mail: boyko2003@yandex.ru
Artem D. Gavrilov, Cand. Sc. (Philology), Senior Research Fellow of the philological department, Chuvash State Institute of Humanities (1 Building, 29 Moskovsky Ave., Cheboksary 428015, Russian Federation); Associate Professor of the Department of Journalism, I.N. Ulyanov Chuvash State University (15 Moskovsky Ave., Cheboksary 428015, Russian Federation); https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6031-2725; e-mail: artmaster28@rambler.ru
Valentina G. Kharitonova, Cand. Sc. (History), Leading Research Fellow of the historical department, Chuvash State Institute of Humanities (1 Building, 29 Moskovsky Ave., Cheboksary 428015, Russian Federation); https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7930-9072; e-mail: val1957@rambler.ru
Received 28.01.2026 Revised 13.03.2026 Accepted for publication 20.03.2026
Published Online 08.06.2026
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