Northern Identity as a Factor of Restraining Youth Migration: Attitudes in the Russian Arctic Zone

The article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at identifying socio-cultural markers of the northern and Arctic identity of young people living in Russia’s Arctic region. The study looked into the manifestation of territorial identity markers as a potential deterrent factor in the migration attitudes of young people. Based on data from a representative sociological survey, the fact is established that territorial identity has indeed emerged. It is revealed that the northern identity is more pronounced, and the Arctic identity is moving towards becoming separate and independent from the northern identity. From there by means of factor analysis a set of ten identity markers for two dimensions is proposed: “being a northerner” and 2)“sense of pride and belonging”. It was found that young people's self-association with the North is determined through emotional attachment, cultural and historical connection and commitment to the community of northerners. The dependence of the expression of a set of socio-cultural markers of northern identity and migration attitudes of young people has been statistically substantiated. It is proven that the more markers are expressed, the more the attitude “I don't want to go anywhere” is expressed. The scientific novelty of the study lies in empirically substantiating the significance of the northern identity as a variation of territorial identity as a deterrent factor in the migration attitudes of young people and identifying markers of its formation among young people in the Russian Arctic. The results of the study will be of use to people in the scientific community, regional and state administration, public organizations and associations dealing with youth policy issues when it comes to justifying and developing policy decisions aimed at retaining and securing youth in the North.