Oriental Studies (Apr 2018)
An Insight into Regional Identity: Sociological Research Program Revisited
Abstract
The article summarizes theoretical materials accumulated by researchers and clarifi es the author’s interpretation of the term ‘regional identity’ which is necessary for the development of programs and technologies of mass survey of Tatarstan’s population. The paper analyzes the components of regional identity, factors and methods of formation as well as relations with other identities. There are several approaches to understanding a region: 1) a geographical one, i.e. a region is considered as part of the Earth’s surface with defi nite physical and geographical boundaries. Some authors point out the importance of unity in these terms; 2) an ethnographic one, i. e. regional division is connected with the specifi city of economic and cultural landscape, language and ethnic structure of the population caused by certain geographical peculiarities; 3) a political one, i.e. the concept of ‘region’ is used to denote a unit of administrative-territorial structure of the state; 4) a sociological one, i.e. a region is equal to the society established within the area. There are two basic approaches to the ‘nature’ of regional identity: the fi rst one is objectivistic, i. e. identity is understood as a refl ection of the objectively existing socio-territorial structures and social community. The second one is subjectivistic, i. e. identity is treated as a unity constructed during social interactions with the special role of elites. It is Berger and Luckmann’s ‘moderate’ constructivism coupled with Bourdieu’s integrative theory that most suitably corresponds to studies of the republic and identicalness of the population with it in the context of ethnocultural branding of the territory. Some provisions developed in the sociology of space by Simmel - since the specifi city of the studied identity is associated with a particular area - are as important. The analysis of the works showed that those are territorial unity, defi nite boundaries (in particular, the political-administrative ones), community of economic interests and historical past that serve as the main prerequisites for the formation of regional identity. Ethnic specifi city of the region, level of social and economic development, a particular geographical location, stability of administrative boundaries and existence of a ‘central’ city are factors that enhance the signifi cance of feelings and awareness of socially-territorial community of people. Constructivists emphasize the importance of activities and consolidation of the elites and their abilities to express the moods of the masses, favorably represent the territory outside and be aware of their consolidation role. Researchers have identifi ed some constructing techniques: development and consolidation of symbols of a territory, representation of its ethno-cultural images and history, their consolidation through regional branding activities and implementation of megaprojects. At the same time, despite the fact that there are a number of scientifi c works about regional branding and regional identity, the question of relationships and the simultaneous development of this phenomenon especially on the empirical sociological material still remains understudied. Regional identity is constructed in interaction with state-civil, ethnic, global and local identities and is largely determined by relationships of the region with central authorities, other regions and most signifi cant international socio-political subjects.
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