Small town in the border region of Russia: socio-cultural and socio-economic problems

  • Eliza K. Biyzhanova Institute of Sociology of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 24/35 Krzhizhanovsky Street, 5 building, Moscow 117218, Russia

Abstract

The article analyses the main socio-economic and socio-cultural problems that hinder the development of small towns in the Russian border area. Based on qualitative data obtained during research in 2014–2021 in border regions of Russia, the main negative trends were identified, which, in the opinion of local residents, must be eliminated or reduced in the first place in order for a small town to survive. It is shown that most of the small towns in are in a depressed state, with high rates of depopulation. It is concluded that it is necessary to preserve them, since they are not only of cultural and historical value for the reproduction of socio-cultural potential, but also are important strategic territories that can withstand non-military threats and contribute to the preservation of the country’s integrity and its security.

Author Biography

Eliza K. Biyzhanova, Institute of Sociology of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 24/35 Krzhizhanovsky Street, 5 building, Moscow 117218, Russia

researcher at the Center for the Study of Russian Regions

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Published
2022-09-30
Keywords: small town, border areas, local communities, socio-cultural potential
How to Cite
Biyzhanova, E. K. (2022). Small town in the border region of Russia: socio-cultural and socio-economic problems. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Sociology, 3, 103-108. https://doi.org/10.33581/2521-6821-2022-3-103-108
Section
From the Working Table of a Sociologist