Multiculturalism and Intercultural Relations on Post-Soviet Space

The results of testing of the three hypotheses of intercultural relations (multiculturalism, integration, contact hypotheses) in different regions of Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Tadjikistan and Latvia are presented. Mutual intercultural relations between dominant and non-dominant (migrant or minorities) groups were examined across countries and regions (18 ethnic groups, N=5270) using MIRIPS research methodology. Data processing was carried out using path analysis for each ethnic group separately. Verification of the three hypotheses of intercultural relations (multiculturalism, contact, and integration) in different post-soviet countries and regions has confirmed most of these three hypotheses. Our preliminary meta-analysis of the results of studies with members of 13 ethnic groups in six different socio-cultural contexts identifies contextual features, which matter for the mutual adjustment and well-being on the post-Soviet space. As a common rule, the leading role in the hypotheses confirmation in each region belongs to the majority: if the hypothesis has full support in the dominant group, it is at least partially supported in the minority /migrant groups. If it is partially supported in the dominant group, it has partial or no support in the non-dominant group. It indicates the responsibility of the majority for mutual intercultural relations, and to be manifested in the development of special programs to improve intercultural relations.

Key words: multiculturalism, intercultural relations, acculturation strategies/expectations, intercultural contact, multicultural ideology, life satisfaction, perceived security, ethnic tolerance.