Yakut Mentality Studies in Psychology and Related Sciences

Abstract

The article provides an analysis of various studies conducted in the sphere of Yakut mentality within the framework of psychology and related sciences. The history of the study of Yakut mentality is divided into three periods, i.e. pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and Russian, which demonstrate a strong historical continuity. The first pre-revolutionary studies of Yakut mentality were purely ethnographic and benefited from numerous political exiles. The ethnographic essays of that period featured the structure and characteristics of the Yakut family and the attitude to the surrounding social and natural world, as well as spiritual and moral values. During the Soviet period, sociological studies of migration processes and interethnic perception became more relevant. Pre-revolutionary and soviet studies became the basis for further research in philosophy, pedagogy, and psychology after the collapse of the USSR. Modern studies revealed a change in Yakut mentality under the impact of historical and social events. In spite of these changes, the following features of traditional Yakut mentality have survived: respect for nature, an expanded understanding of the family concept, gender-role features, and inter-ethnic tolerance. However, the ethnic identity of the Chukchi, the Evens and the Evenks has changed.

Keywords

• religious belief
• morality
• values
• respect for nature
• culture of silence
• extended family
• inter-ethnic tolerance
• gender identity
• ethnic identity