Kacich Irina F.

This article analyzes the role and dynamics of ethnic associations (diaspora organizations, national-cultural centers, and immigrant communities) in the integration processes of migrants from the Central Asia in Khabarovsk. The relevance of this study stems from the institutional insufficiency of formal adaptation programs in the Far-Eastern region, which makes ethnic networks a key but contradictory agent of integration — simultaneously ensuring the migrant survival while preserving their peripheral status. Theoretical framework synthesizes the network theory of migration, the segmented labor market concept, and the J. Berry’s theory of acculturation. The empirical basis consists of the results of two comparative sociological studies conducted by the author in 2019 and 2025 among the members of ethnic communities belonging to the Assembly of Peoples of the Khabarovsk territory (2019 – 425 respondents; 2025 – 328 respondents), using probability proportional sampling. The study reveals a dual effect of such substitution: reduced acculturation stress and lower transaction costs during the initial stages of migration, alongside the perpetuation of economic niche confinement and restricted horizontal mobility of migrants. These findings are important for adjusting the regional migration policy regarding the institutional support of ethnic associations as the informal adaptation agents, as well as for establishing effective cooperation between the diaspora structures and the state institutions.

The article analyzes the dynamics of acculturation strategies of ethnic migrants in the Khabarovsk Krai within the medium term. The study is relevant due to the key role of migration potential for the demographic and economic development of the Russian Far Eastern region, the effective realization of which directly depends on the successful integration of new residents. The theoretical basis of the research is John W. Berry's model of acculturation supplemented by instrumental rationality and transit nature of migration fl within the Russian Far East context. Two sociological studies made by in 2019 and 2025 among members of ethnic communities belonging to the Assembly of Peoples of the Khabarovsk Krai provided empirical material for the research. A comparative analysis of the data revealed positive, but structurally heterogeneous dynamics. The research shows that attitudes towards long-term residence in the region have strengthened, language competence has signifi increased (profi in the Russian language increased), and readiness for social interaction with the host community has improved. At the same time, there has appeared the stability of the core identity manifested in the rejection of profound personal changes (interethnic marriages, change of religion). Basing on a scoring assessment the research shows that while the overall integral indicator of adaptability remains unchanged, its structure has changed towards greater openness while preserving basic cultural values. The paper concludes about the formation of a selective acculturation model in the region, which is of instrumental and pragmatic nature. The results are important for adjusting regional migration and integration policies.

The article reveals the problems of the attitude of residents of the Khabarovsk Territory to ethnic migrants through the prism of tolerance, as one of the options for forming value attitudes that determine the content side of the processes of adaptation of the host community and migrants to changes caused by the intensive influx of citizens of other states to the territory of the region. Various theoretical approaches are analyzed that justify tolerance as a value category not equivalent to indifference or unquestioning acceptance of a different worldview and way of life, but as a position that makes it possible to live in accordance with one's own worldview among others. An attempt is made to search for sources of tolerance in the social environment of the region through the concepts of tolerance, boundaries of tolerance, ethnic identity, forms of manifestation of ethnic tolerance and intolerance. The formulated modern interpretation of tolerance makes it possible to develop a socio-cultural tradition of resolving social tensions, preventing violence and aggression, becoming an object of social management. The article presents the results of sociological surveys of the population of the Khabarovsk Territory, where the most significant identification characteristics of residents of the territorial community are identified, the importance of tolerance in the mentality of residents of the Khabarovsk Territory is determined, and the degree of manifestation of ethnic tolerance towards migrants is revealed. The main results of the sociological study and the formulated on their basis conclusions can be used to improve the migration policy of the Khabarovsk Territory and adaptation programs for ethnic migrants in order to prevent conflicts and social tension.