Lapteva I.V., Tribushininа S.D., Kuznetsova Yu.V. Sociocultural Integration in a Multiethnic Region: On the Mechanisms for Strengthening the All-Russian Civic Identity, as Exemplified by the Republic of Mordovia

Posted on 30.03.2026 by editor

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.121-131
https://elibrary.ru/pooflg
УДК / UDC 008:314.122(470+571):316.4.063(470.345)

Sociocultural Integration in a Multiethnic Region: On the Mechanisms for Strengthening the All-Russian Civic Identity, as Exemplified by the Republic of Mordovia

I. V. Lapteva, S. D. Tribushinina
Research Institute of the Humanities by the Government of the Republic of Mordovia, Saransk, Russian Federation

Yu. V. Kuznetsova
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The study is conducted within a cultural studies framework, with a focus on the processes of sociocultural integration in one of Russia’s multiethnic regions, the Republic of Mordovia, and is grounded in the theoretical foundations of cultural studies, ethnology, and social anthropology. The tension between the need to preserve the unique ethnocultural code of the Mordovian people and the successful sociocultural integration of new (foreign and non-local) members of the regional population generates the risk of both social isolation of newcomers and the formation of parallel communities, as well as spontaneous assimilation that disregards the cultural needs of all parties involved. Despite the existence of extensive literature on migration, adaptation, and national policy, the academic discourse continues to reveal a deficit of empirically grounded and conceptually elaborated models of integration specifically oriented toward the national republics of the Russian Federation. The aim of the study is to examine integration as a complex process of the self-organization of sociocultural integrity, proposing a replicable methodology suitable for scaling in other comparable multicultural constituent entities of the country.

Materials and Methods. The methodological foundation of the study is grounded in the principles of axiological analysis and the synergetic model of cultural interaction, which made it possible to examine in detail the practices of harmonizing interethnic relations within the specified regional context. The primary material of the research consists of project-based activities carried out by the Mordovian Regional Public Organization “Cultural and Linguistic Diversity of the Territory”, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, National Policy and Archival Affairs of the Republic of Mordovia, aimed at the cultural adaptation of foreign nationals and non-local citizens arriving for long-term employment or study.

Results and Discussion. The authors propose a model of active cultural education grounded in the principles of mutual respect, engagement with traditional values, and, as a result, sociocultural integration through contemporary communication formats. The project initiatives of non-profit organizations are manifested in heterogeneous activities (conducting interactive lectures in workplaces and educational settings, involving participants in artistic and craft practices, organizing dialogue platforms with the participation of representatives of diverse multiethnic communities, etc.).

Conclusion. In the context of ethnocultural diversity, the unity of the Russian people is not a static condition but a dynamic process that requires sustained constructive effort on the part of the state, society, and citizens themselves. The contribution of this study to scholarship lies in its interpretation of cultural diversity as a key resource for sustainable development, one that fosters the strengthening of civic solidarity and the formation of a shared identity while taking regional specificity into account.

Keywords: multicultural region, Republic of Mordovia, national culture, sociocultural integration, Mordovian folk, unity of the Russian people, cultural policy, migration, dialogue of cultures

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

For citation: Lapteva I.V., Tribushininа S.D., Kuznetsova Yu.V. Sociocultural Integration in a Multiethnic Region: On the Mechanisms for Strengthening the All-Russian Civic Identity, as Exemplified by the Republic of Mordovia. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(1):121‒131. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.121-131

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Information about the authors:

Irina V. Lapteva, Dr.Sci. (Philos.), Associate Professor, Principal Researcher – Head of the Department of Theory and History of Culture, Research Institute of the Humanities by the Government of the Republic of Mordovia (3 L. Tolstoy St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0444-4237, SPIN-code: 9810-4143, laptevaiv@yandex.ru

Svetlana D. Tribushinina, Dr.Sci. (Cult.), Senior Researcher of the Department of Theory and History of Culture, Research Institute of the Humanities by the Government of the Republic of Mordovia (3 L. Tolstoy St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3472-3640, SPIN-code: 6652-8104, tribushinina85@mail.ru

Yulia V. Kuznetsova, Cand. Sci. (Philos.), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Design and Advertising, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8709-6081, SPIN-code: 9818-7915, kuv@bk.ru

Authors’ contribution:

I. V. Laptevа ‒ preparation and creation of the published work: specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); formulation of research idea, goals and aims; oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team.

S. D. Tribushininа ‒ preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); verification, whether as a part of the activity or separate, of the reproducibility of results and other research outputs and other research outputs.

Yu. V. Kuznetsova ‒ preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); verification, whether as a part of the activity or separate, of the reproducibility of results and other research outputs and other research outputs.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 29.12.2025; revised 03.02.2026; accepted 10.02.2026.

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