On sacred basis of local social identities in contemporary Russia: structural analysis

Abstract

The article discusses a model of social identity — with its empirical approbation based on data on social identities of some Russian regional centers. It demonstrates descriptive and analytical potential of the proposed concept of a social identity. It introduces a sacred sphere in individual mind and shows its importance for the development and maintenance of social identities. The paper initiates a research project of studying local identities in Russia.