Terenina N. K., Vladykin B. A., Manakov A. G. Changes in the Concentration of the Mordovian Population across Russian Regions, 1959–2021 (In Russ.)

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.26183.392-407
https://elibrary.ru/bbldyz
УДК / UDC 94(=511.152):325.1”1959/2021”(470+571)

Changes in the Concentration of the Mordovian Population across Russian Regions, 1959–2021

N. K. Terenina, B. A. Vladykin, A. G. Manakov
Pskov State University, Pskov, Russian Federation, https://ror.org/04h7w4h73

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of this study is determined by the recent acceleration in the decline of Finno-Ugric populations worldwide, particularly in Russia. The Mordovian people are among the ethnic groups most affected by this negative demographic trend. However, the rate of population decline varies considerably across different regions of Russia. This article addresses a research gap related to the insufficiently studied geographical dimension of changes in the Mordovian population. Such an approach makes it possible to assess the role of migration and assimilation processes in shaping ethnic dynamics. The aim of the study is to identify the regional patterns of change in the concentration of the Mordovian population in Russia during the intercensal periods from 1959 to 2021 and to determine the main factors underlying these dynamics.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on regional ethnic statistics from the Russian population censuses conducted between 1959 and 2021. The methodology involves calculating and mapping, at the regional level, the dynamics of an indicator referred to as the ethnic concentration coefficient. This approach makes it possible to compare the rates of change in the Mordovian population across different regions of the country.

Results and Discussion. Mapping changes in the Mordovian ethnic concentration coefficient across six intercensal periods made it possible to identify clear patterns of regional ethnic dynamics. During the late Soviet period, alongside migration-driven growth of the Mordovian population in some regions, its concentration declined in most other parts of the country, reflecting the onset of assimilation processes. In the post-Soviet period, the decline in the Mordovian population became nationwide, affecting even regions with a comparatively high concentration of Mordovians located within their historical settlement area.

Conclusion. The authors argue that assimilation was the principal factor behind the decline in the Mordovian population during the period under study. Natural decrease played a less significant role and contributed to the acceleration of population decline only in the post-Soviet period. Spatially, the assimilation of the Mordovian population initially affected regions located furthest from the Republic of Mordovia and subsequently spread to areas with higher concentrations of Mordovians situated closer to the republic. Against this background, the Republic of Mordovia demonstrated the lowest rates of assimilation among the titular ethnic group. The methodology applied in this study may also be used to examine the regional dynamics of other ethnic groups.

Keywords: Finno-Ugric peoples, ethnic concentration coefficient, ethnodemography, assimilation, ethnic identity

Conflict of interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Terenina N.K., Vladykin B.A., Manakov A.G. Changes in the Concentration of the Mordovian Population across Russian Regions, 1959–2021. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(3):392–407. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.26183.392-407

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Information about the authors:

Natalia K. Terenina, Cand. Sci. (Geogr.), Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Pskov State University (2 Lenin Square, Pskov 180000, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5288-9409, SPIN-code: 3280-7324, brazelon@yandex.ru

Bogdan A. Vladykin, Postgraduate student, Pskov State University (2 Lenin Square, Pskov 180000, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7959-3503, SPIN-code: 1617-0523, vladykinbogdan1927@yandex.ru

Andrey G. Manakov, Dr. Sci. (Geogr.), Professor, Department of Geography, Pskov State University (2 Lenin Square, Pskov 180000, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3223-2688, Scopus ID: 7003929696, SPIN-code: 5640-9652, region-psk@yandex.ru

Authors’ contribution:

N. K. Terenina – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation);

B. A. Vladykin – conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data collection; verification of the reproducibility of the results.

A. G. Manakov – oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team.

The authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Submitted 16.05.2026; revised 13.07.2026; accepted 20.07.2026.

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