Sociological discource in the the Mongolian ethno-cultural identity

Abstract

The article describes the features of sociological discourse of the Mongolian ethnic and cultural identity in the conditions of completion of the Soviet model of socialism and the establishment of multiparty parliamentary political system in Mongolia in XX – XXI centuries. It is considered that the notion of a tribe, as well as the concept of ethnic group is based on the notions of kinship and community of the origin. Some researchers believe in the erroneous statement that ethnic groups are genetically pure populations, distinct, homogeneous and limited cultures. After the period of the state socialism, the identity, built around a small country, began to encourage in Mongolia the development of new institutional forms. After the end of the socialist period the ethnic groups (yastan) being the heritage of socialism, lose their value as collective identities. However, the issue of ethnicity in the nineties in Mongolia becomes actualized as an integral component of the process of revival of cultural traditions, return to the roots, closed in the socialist era. In a sense, any collective identity became a basis for creation of social interactions, directed on rendering mutual assistance in difficult times of the socio-economic turn-around. Belonging to a yastan is paired with a sense of common origin, but only with a part of the Mongolian people. Many Mongolians do not consider their ethnic label especially important, giving preference to the identity of the native nomadic one.