Perception of ethnic and religious processes by mongolia population (a sociological study)

Abstract

The article, based on the results of sociological surveys, considers the peculiarities of perception of ethnic and religious processes in Central and Western Mongolia. Based on the analysis of the collected data, it is concluded that currently a sufficiently large percentage of Mongolia's respondents position themselves as believers. At the same time, respondents indicate not only familiarity with the state's traditional confessions, primarily Buddhism and Islam, but also the emergence of new religious movements. Protestant denominations have become particularly popular in recent years. Despite the changes that have taken place since the end of the 20th century in the state in the field of freedom of conscience and religion, nevertheless, a sufficiently large percentage of respondents feel the need for more detailed acquaintance with various religious traditions. This fact is evidenced both by the desire to get acquainted with different religions in the framework of the school program, and through wider coverage of this issue in the media. The majority of respondents were concerned that extremist views were increasing worldwide, although Mongolia itself was not yet faced with the problem.

Keywords

• Mongolia
• ethnic and religious processes
• proselytic religions
• ethnic groups
• traditional beliefs
• sociological research