The paper sheds light on the character of family stories concerning unrealised emigration experie... more The paper sheds light on the character of family stories concerning unrealised emigration experienced under emigration restrictions and their potential intergenerational impacts. To this end, it explores the family stories on unfulfilled intentions to emigrate from two countries that were part of the Socialist Bloc, drawing on data from semi-structured in-depth interviews with people whose family members intended to emigrate from the Polish People’s Republic and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic but who have not fulfilled their plans. The study highlights how memories on the experience of unrealised emigration have been transmitted across generations within families, how the character of family stories varies, and what mechanisms may underlie the potential influence of the experience over migration-related attitudes, norms, aspirations, and in some cases intentions and behaviour, of the non-migrants’ descendants.
Does exposure to books in childhood encourage adult migration? We contend that it does-through re... more Does exposure to books in childhood encourage adult migration? We contend that it does-through reading, which provides a simulative experience and arouses readers' curiosity, as well as raising their openness to new experiences, awareness of opportunities in other places, and confidence in social situations, all of which foster migration intentions. Using data from the Life in Transition-III Survey, we find that the number of books in a childhood home is positively related to adult migration intentions. This relationship holds after controlling for a set of socioeconomic characteristics, including individual and parental education. We also show that the book effect increases with the respondents' level of education.
A growing body of evidence for the ‘family migration capital’ hypothesis – whereby migration expe... more A growing body of evidence for the ‘family migration capital’ hypothesis – whereby migration experience in a family leads to a greater propensity to move among migrants’ descendants – has so far relied on accounts of any migration experience, including voluntary moves. However, in the case of voluntary migration, a considerable part of the observable effect may be due to self-selection into migration and passing the migration-driving characteristics across generations rather than due to the transmission of ‘capital’ derived from migration. To minimise the influence of self-selection, we consider the effects of forced migration, where self-selection is less prevalent than in voluntary migration. Using data from the nationally representative Life in Transition Survey-III, collected in 32 countries in Eurasia (N = 41,977), in logistic regression, we show that descendants of people who experienced forced displacement as a result of World War II are more likely to report an intention to migrate than people in similar circumstances but without this kind of family experience. Our findings support the contention that migration experience leads to the accumulation of ‘family migration capital’ that is passed across generations and highlight the long-lasting consequences of forced displacement, happening on a large scale globally nowadays, for future voluntary migration flows.
The article examines the relationship between past experience of involuntary immobility in a fami... more The article examines the relationship between past experience of involuntary immobility in a family and the current migration intentions of its members. While family migration experience has been shown to be positively related to migration intentions, the role of past unrealised migration intentions in a family is understudied. Using the case of the former communist bloc, we focus on the migration intentions of people whose family members’ mobility aspirations were stifled by the restrictive political regime. Drawing on data from the Life in Transition III Survey, we show that close relatives of people who had been prohibited from going abroad under communist rule are more likely to report migration intentions compared with people without such family experience. We explain these findings with the intergenerational transmission of mobility aspirations.
This article examines the relationship between ethnic diversity and out-group trust in contempora... more This article examines the relationship between ethnic diversity and out-group trust in contemporary Russia, while distinguishing between long-standing ethnic diversity and recent immigration. In contrast to previous research that tested whether past regional experience with diversity is related to people's attitudes toward out-group members, we focus on long-standing ethnic diversity, defined as diversity resulting from the long-term coexistence of ethnic groups in a region, not recent immigration. We hypothesize that while the presence of out-groups may initially be threatening to the members of an ethnic group, long-standing diversity has positive consequences for intergroup relations. Using 2015 survey data combined with census and official registration data from Russian regions, we found that inhabitants of regions with higher levels of long-standing ethnic diversity tended to show higher out-group trust, while accounting for socio-economic characteristics of the regions and of individuals. In contrast, inhabitants of regions with higher recent immigration tended to have lower out-group trust, all else held constant. While these associations were weak, they speak in favor of a dynamic model of intergroup trust, which involves learning about others through mutual coexistence. We also acknowledge that the autochthonous status of ethnic minorities and existing institutional arrangements regarding different ethnic groups in Russia may additionally contribute to the development of trust.
This paper examines the relationship between exposure to immigration in one’s region or locality ... more This paper examines the relationship between exposure to immigration in one’s region or locality and sense of socio-territorial belonging, understood as a “we-feeling” toward other inhabitants of the territory. Based on the Russian case, it addresses the question whether higher intensity of in-migration is related to weaker sense of belonging and how this relationship depends on immigrant origin. Using survey data combined with official statistical data, I found a negative relation when immigration from non-CIS states is considered, but not in case of in-migration from CIS states. I interpret these findings in terms of symbolic boundaries and the Soviet legacy.
This article analyzes the relationship between the relative position of an ethnic group, as measu... more This article analyzes the relationship between the relative position of an ethnic group, as measured by its majority/minority status at a subnational level, and attitudes of its members toward immigrants of different origins. Based on the Russian case, it addresses the question whether the effects of in-group majority status within a region on attitudes toward the general category of immigrants hold regardless of out-group origin and, if not, what may drive this variation. Using data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics and Bayesian hierarchical structural equation modeling, the study demonstrates that the relative position of an ethnic in-group is of varying importance as a predictor of attitudes toward migrant groups of European versus non-European origin in Russia. A group's majority status within a region proved to play a role in predicting attitudes toward migrants originating from the "south" (encompassing North and South Caucasus; Central Asia; and China, Vietnam, and Korea) but not toward migrants coming from the "west" (Ukraine and Moldova). We draw on arguments related to the source and the level of threat induced by the out-groups, ethnic hierarchies, and group cues to explain this pattern of results.
Central and Eastern European Migration Review, 2021
The article offers a new perspective on contemporary and past migration processes in the post-Sov... more The article offers a new perspective on contemporary and past migration processes in the post-Soviet area by testing the usefulness of the concept of a migration cycle for the Russian case. By adopting the longue durée approach, we attempt to assess the advancement of Russia's migration cycle, arguing at the same time that it constitutes an interesting, yet not an obvious case with which to test the utility of the concept. We postulate that, in tracking Russia's migration trajectories in pre-1991 times, it is important to account for both the flows between Russia as the-then state entity (i.e. the Tsarist Empire, later the Soviet Union) and foreign countries and the flows between Russia as the core of the empire and its eastern and southern peripheries. Our analyses show that while – taking into account statistical considerations – Russia has undoubtedly already undergone the migration transition, it has not yet reached the stage of a mature immigration country. We also contend that migration transition for Russia occurred internally – within the-then state borders – and revealed itself with its transformation from a Soviet republic into a federative state.
The main aim of this paper is to critically assess prevalent conceptualisations of the notion of ... more The main aim of this paper is to critically assess prevalent conceptualisations of the notion of economic integration to set out a research framework capable of structuring empirical research on economic integration, with a particular focus on the New Immigrant Destinations. To overcome the difficulties identified in the literature, we propose a new broad conceptual model of integration. We postulate that an analysis of economic integration outcomes (effects) should consider aspirations and capabilities of a given individual and include other than economic dimensions of immigrants’ participation in receiving societies. Importantly, we treat aspirations and capabilities as useful concepts not only in understanding one’s migratory behaviour (including immobility) but also in explaining and interpreting integration outcomes. In our approach, we go beyond traditional analysis of integration that focuses on settlement migrants and propose a scheme that allows for understanding of economic integration of various categories of immigrants.
The paper attempts to determine whether an individual's socioeconomic dependence on the state in ... more The paper attempts to determine whether an individual's socioeconomic dependence on the state in Russia translates into a higher propensity to turn out for elections and to vote for the ruling party or its candidate. It also explores the mechanisms employed by the state to mobilise dependent voters based on the case of two contrasting regions: Yaroslavl Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan. The quantitative analysis carried out based on data coming from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics indicates a positive association between socioeconomic dependence on the state and turnout in regard to sector and formal nature of employment, pensioner status and rural residence. At the same time, the results do not provide sufficient evidence to state that dependence on the state in these spheres makes people more likely to cast their votes for the ruling elites (with rural residence constituting an exception).
Migration from the Newly Independent States. 25 Years After the Collapse of the USSR, 2020
This chapter attempts to offer a comprehensive picture of migration from the post-Soviet states t... more This chapter attempts to offer a comprehensive picture of migration from the post-Soviet states to Poland. It presents factors facilitating migration to Poland from the East, including former connections to Poland and the existing migration policy instruments targeted at citizens of the post-Soviet states. Moreover, it offers a brief overview of available statistical data related to the scale of migration from the former USSR states to Poland as well as to structural characteristics of the population of post-Soviet migrants in Poland. This contribution aims to answer the question of whether post-Soviet migrants may be treated as a fairly homogenous group, which would justify generalisations based on what existing studies show as regards Ukrainians. The analysis provides evidence that post-Soviet migrants in Poland do not constitute a uniform group. Consequently, it points to the need to go beyond studies focused solely on Ukrainian migrants.
Studia Migracyjne-Przegląd Polonijny (Migration Studies–Review of Polish Diaspora), 2019
The study intends to fill a gap in the literature on migration destination choice, which focuses ... more The study intends to fill a gap in the literature on migration destination choice, which focuses on the outcome of a decision process, while largely neglects the very process of arriving at an outcome. Using qualitative material collected during 150 face-to-face interviews with Polish migrants to four EU countries and Australia, this article develops a general typology of decision makers involved in choices of migrant destinations. It applies the concept of bounded rationality to analyse the ways in which these migrants have chosen their host locations and, focusing on their rationality, explores manifestations of its boundedness. It also discusses the issue of information search by destination choice, showing that under relatively low perceived risks associated with migration, the process of knowledge building tends to be based on experience rather than on in-depth research.
This article analyses the relationship between relative group position in an ethnically stratifie... more This article analyses the relationship between relative group position in an ethnically stratified social order and anti-immigrant attitudes in Russia. Based on data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics, it studies the role of two objective indicators of group position: relative ingroup size and the group’s dominant political status within a region. The findings show that when a group position is measured in numerical terms, the attitudes of ethnic Russians seem to follow social dominance theory, while titulars tend to conform to the alienation-based extension to the group position model.
This paper makes the first attempt to measure economic disengagement in state-society relations o... more This paper makes the first attempt to measure economic disengagement in state-society relations on a regional level, using the case of Russia. An original composite index was calculated based on a number of indicators measuring different spheres of contact between the state and society. The study examines regional diversity in intensity of economic disengagement in state-society relations in Russia. It also attempts to identify determinants of economic disengagement on a regional level. Seeking to identify regional level predictors of the intensity of disengagement, the study focuses on the specificity of the Russian space-its federal structure based on a combination of territorial and ethnic principles. The results show that economic disengagement is least intense in regions belonging to the Russian Far North, which points to the role of physical-geographical factors and path dependence. They also reveal that residents of ethnically-defined regions tend to be less economically disengaged than residents of oblasts and krays. Moreover, the share of ethnic Russians is positively related to economic disengagement in the former regions, while it is not significant in the latter. These findings potentially point to differences between ethnic Russians and members of titular groups in terms of their intensity of interaction with the state in the economic sphere.
Previous research shows that structural, cultural and social integration determine migrants’ sett... more Previous research shows that structural, cultural and social integration determine migrants’ settlement intentions. We move beyond such explanations, and consider whether psychological integration at a local level may underlie the relation between social integration and the intention to stay, while accounting for structural and cultural integration. We conceptualise social integration as ties with the natives, and access to emotional and instrumental social capital in the destination country. Psychological integration is captured by place attachment understood as an emotional bond with the city of residence. We take the case of Ukrainian migrants, currently the largest group of temporary migrants in Europe. Using survey data from Warsaw, Poland, we found that migrants having strong ties with Poles were more strongly attached to Warsaw, which in turn increased their willingness to stay in Poland. Emotional social capital but not instrumental social capital had an indirect effect on settlement intentions via place attachment, but only for repeat migrants. These findings held independent of the level of structural and cultural integration and length of time spent in Poland. The study points to the importance of psychological integration at a local level and the migrants’ emotional support, in shaping settlement intentions of temporary migrants.
The changes, sometimes dramatic, in the size and structure of the ethnic groups of the Russian Fe... more The changes, sometimes dramatic, in the size and structure of the ethnic groups of the Russian Federation (RF) raise questions about their possible futures. The paper presents simulations of how ethnic groups of the RF could develop in the future and discusses the demographic aspects of the predicted changes. The simulations cover a 25-year period, from 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2036 and were prepared for the 22 most numerous ethnic groups using a multistate cohort-component population dynamics model. To prepare the assumptions for the simulations, ethnicity-specific data (no longer collected) on fertility, mortality, and international migration were used. The results indicate that in the coming 20 years Russia will face numerous challenges related to the changes in the size, age structure, and ethnic composition of its population. The population of the RF will age and, except in the “Modernization” scenario, will shrink. Non-Slavic and Muslim populations will increase their share in the total population at the expense of Slavic and Orthodox ethnic groups and will age more slowly.
The paper discusses economic and developmental consequences of future population changes in Russi... more The paper discusses economic and developmental consequences of future population changes in Russia, taking into account demographic changes both on the country level and broken down by ethnic group. It focuses on their impact on the labour market, pension system and economy, including regional development, also taking into consideration differences between ethnic groups as regards their demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The role of international migration is discussed separately.
The article explores recent developments in the non-electoral sociopolitical engagement of societ... more The article explores recent developments in the non-electoral sociopolitical engagement of society in contemporary Russia. Referring to the concepts of political opportunity structure and framing, it considers existing coping strategies that represent alternatives to disengagement — a shift from higher-level political issues to social or local problems and engagement through state-controlled structures — in terms of their role in the development of civil society. The analysis, embedded in the regional context of Tatarstan and Yaroslavl Oblast, points to the limitations and merits of both forms of participation, arguing why, despite their inferiority to unrestricted independent activism, they should not be dismissed.
The paper sheds light on the character of family stories concerning unrealised emigration experie... more The paper sheds light on the character of family stories concerning unrealised emigration experienced under emigration restrictions and their potential intergenerational impacts. To this end, it explores the family stories on unfulfilled intentions to emigrate from two countries that were part of the Socialist Bloc, drawing on data from semi-structured in-depth interviews with people whose family members intended to emigrate from the Polish People’s Republic and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic but who have not fulfilled their plans. The study highlights how memories on the experience of unrealised emigration have been transmitted across generations within families, how the character of family stories varies, and what mechanisms may underlie the potential influence of the experience over migration-related attitudes, norms, aspirations, and in some cases intentions and behaviour, of the non-migrants’ descendants.
Does exposure to books in childhood encourage adult migration? We contend that it does-through re... more Does exposure to books in childhood encourage adult migration? We contend that it does-through reading, which provides a simulative experience and arouses readers' curiosity, as well as raising their openness to new experiences, awareness of opportunities in other places, and confidence in social situations, all of which foster migration intentions. Using data from the Life in Transition-III Survey, we find that the number of books in a childhood home is positively related to adult migration intentions. This relationship holds after controlling for a set of socioeconomic characteristics, including individual and parental education. We also show that the book effect increases with the respondents' level of education.
A growing body of evidence for the ‘family migration capital’ hypothesis – whereby migration expe... more A growing body of evidence for the ‘family migration capital’ hypothesis – whereby migration experience in a family leads to a greater propensity to move among migrants’ descendants – has so far relied on accounts of any migration experience, including voluntary moves. However, in the case of voluntary migration, a considerable part of the observable effect may be due to self-selection into migration and passing the migration-driving characteristics across generations rather than due to the transmission of ‘capital’ derived from migration. To minimise the influence of self-selection, we consider the effects of forced migration, where self-selection is less prevalent than in voluntary migration. Using data from the nationally representative Life in Transition Survey-III, collected in 32 countries in Eurasia (N = 41,977), in logistic regression, we show that descendants of people who experienced forced displacement as a result of World War II are more likely to report an intention to migrate than people in similar circumstances but without this kind of family experience. Our findings support the contention that migration experience leads to the accumulation of ‘family migration capital’ that is passed across generations and highlight the long-lasting consequences of forced displacement, happening on a large scale globally nowadays, for future voluntary migration flows.
The article examines the relationship between past experience of involuntary immobility in a fami... more The article examines the relationship between past experience of involuntary immobility in a family and the current migration intentions of its members. While family migration experience has been shown to be positively related to migration intentions, the role of past unrealised migration intentions in a family is understudied. Using the case of the former communist bloc, we focus on the migration intentions of people whose family members’ mobility aspirations were stifled by the restrictive political regime. Drawing on data from the Life in Transition III Survey, we show that close relatives of people who had been prohibited from going abroad under communist rule are more likely to report migration intentions compared with people without such family experience. We explain these findings with the intergenerational transmission of mobility aspirations.
This article examines the relationship between ethnic diversity and out-group trust in contempora... more This article examines the relationship between ethnic diversity and out-group trust in contemporary Russia, while distinguishing between long-standing ethnic diversity and recent immigration. In contrast to previous research that tested whether past regional experience with diversity is related to people's attitudes toward out-group members, we focus on long-standing ethnic diversity, defined as diversity resulting from the long-term coexistence of ethnic groups in a region, not recent immigration. We hypothesize that while the presence of out-groups may initially be threatening to the members of an ethnic group, long-standing diversity has positive consequences for intergroup relations. Using 2015 survey data combined with census and official registration data from Russian regions, we found that inhabitants of regions with higher levels of long-standing ethnic diversity tended to show higher out-group trust, while accounting for socio-economic characteristics of the regions and of individuals. In contrast, inhabitants of regions with higher recent immigration tended to have lower out-group trust, all else held constant. While these associations were weak, they speak in favor of a dynamic model of intergroup trust, which involves learning about others through mutual coexistence. We also acknowledge that the autochthonous status of ethnic minorities and existing institutional arrangements regarding different ethnic groups in Russia may additionally contribute to the development of trust.
This paper examines the relationship between exposure to immigration in one’s region or locality ... more This paper examines the relationship between exposure to immigration in one’s region or locality and sense of socio-territorial belonging, understood as a “we-feeling” toward other inhabitants of the territory. Based on the Russian case, it addresses the question whether higher intensity of in-migration is related to weaker sense of belonging and how this relationship depends on immigrant origin. Using survey data combined with official statistical data, I found a negative relation when immigration from non-CIS states is considered, but not in case of in-migration from CIS states. I interpret these findings in terms of symbolic boundaries and the Soviet legacy.
This article analyzes the relationship between the relative position of an ethnic group, as measu... more This article analyzes the relationship between the relative position of an ethnic group, as measured by its majority/minority status at a subnational level, and attitudes of its members toward immigrants of different origins. Based on the Russian case, it addresses the question whether the effects of in-group majority status within a region on attitudes toward the general category of immigrants hold regardless of out-group origin and, if not, what may drive this variation. Using data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics and Bayesian hierarchical structural equation modeling, the study demonstrates that the relative position of an ethnic in-group is of varying importance as a predictor of attitudes toward migrant groups of European versus non-European origin in Russia. A group's majority status within a region proved to play a role in predicting attitudes toward migrants originating from the "south" (encompassing North and South Caucasus; Central Asia; and China, Vietnam, and Korea) but not toward migrants coming from the "west" (Ukraine and Moldova). We draw on arguments related to the source and the level of threat induced by the out-groups, ethnic hierarchies, and group cues to explain this pattern of results.
Central and Eastern European Migration Review, 2021
The article offers a new perspective on contemporary and past migration processes in the post-Sov... more The article offers a new perspective on contemporary and past migration processes in the post-Soviet area by testing the usefulness of the concept of a migration cycle for the Russian case. By adopting the longue durée approach, we attempt to assess the advancement of Russia's migration cycle, arguing at the same time that it constitutes an interesting, yet not an obvious case with which to test the utility of the concept. We postulate that, in tracking Russia's migration trajectories in pre-1991 times, it is important to account for both the flows between Russia as the-then state entity (i.e. the Tsarist Empire, later the Soviet Union) and foreign countries and the flows between Russia as the core of the empire and its eastern and southern peripheries. Our analyses show that while – taking into account statistical considerations – Russia has undoubtedly already undergone the migration transition, it has not yet reached the stage of a mature immigration country. We also contend that migration transition for Russia occurred internally – within the-then state borders – and revealed itself with its transformation from a Soviet republic into a federative state.
The main aim of this paper is to critically assess prevalent conceptualisations of the notion of ... more The main aim of this paper is to critically assess prevalent conceptualisations of the notion of economic integration to set out a research framework capable of structuring empirical research on economic integration, with a particular focus on the New Immigrant Destinations. To overcome the difficulties identified in the literature, we propose a new broad conceptual model of integration. We postulate that an analysis of economic integration outcomes (effects) should consider aspirations and capabilities of a given individual and include other than economic dimensions of immigrants’ participation in receiving societies. Importantly, we treat aspirations and capabilities as useful concepts not only in understanding one’s migratory behaviour (including immobility) but also in explaining and interpreting integration outcomes. In our approach, we go beyond traditional analysis of integration that focuses on settlement migrants and propose a scheme that allows for understanding of economic integration of various categories of immigrants.
The paper attempts to determine whether an individual's socioeconomic dependence on the state in ... more The paper attempts to determine whether an individual's socioeconomic dependence on the state in Russia translates into a higher propensity to turn out for elections and to vote for the ruling party or its candidate. It also explores the mechanisms employed by the state to mobilise dependent voters based on the case of two contrasting regions: Yaroslavl Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan. The quantitative analysis carried out based on data coming from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics indicates a positive association between socioeconomic dependence on the state and turnout in regard to sector and formal nature of employment, pensioner status and rural residence. At the same time, the results do not provide sufficient evidence to state that dependence on the state in these spheres makes people more likely to cast their votes for the ruling elites (with rural residence constituting an exception).
Migration from the Newly Independent States. 25 Years After the Collapse of the USSR, 2020
This chapter attempts to offer a comprehensive picture of migration from the post-Soviet states t... more This chapter attempts to offer a comprehensive picture of migration from the post-Soviet states to Poland. It presents factors facilitating migration to Poland from the East, including former connections to Poland and the existing migration policy instruments targeted at citizens of the post-Soviet states. Moreover, it offers a brief overview of available statistical data related to the scale of migration from the former USSR states to Poland as well as to structural characteristics of the population of post-Soviet migrants in Poland. This contribution aims to answer the question of whether post-Soviet migrants may be treated as a fairly homogenous group, which would justify generalisations based on what existing studies show as regards Ukrainians. The analysis provides evidence that post-Soviet migrants in Poland do not constitute a uniform group. Consequently, it points to the need to go beyond studies focused solely on Ukrainian migrants.
Studia Migracyjne-Przegląd Polonijny (Migration Studies–Review of Polish Diaspora), 2019
The study intends to fill a gap in the literature on migration destination choice, which focuses ... more The study intends to fill a gap in the literature on migration destination choice, which focuses on the outcome of a decision process, while largely neglects the very process of arriving at an outcome. Using qualitative material collected during 150 face-to-face interviews with Polish migrants to four EU countries and Australia, this article develops a general typology of decision makers involved in choices of migrant destinations. It applies the concept of bounded rationality to analyse the ways in which these migrants have chosen their host locations and, focusing on their rationality, explores manifestations of its boundedness. It also discusses the issue of information search by destination choice, showing that under relatively low perceived risks associated with migration, the process of knowledge building tends to be based on experience rather than on in-depth research.
This article analyses the relationship between relative group position in an ethnically stratifie... more This article analyses the relationship between relative group position in an ethnically stratified social order and anti-immigrant attitudes in Russia. Based on data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey of the Higher School of Economics, it studies the role of two objective indicators of group position: relative ingroup size and the group’s dominant political status within a region. The findings show that when a group position is measured in numerical terms, the attitudes of ethnic Russians seem to follow social dominance theory, while titulars tend to conform to the alienation-based extension to the group position model.
This paper makes the first attempt to measure economic disengagement in state-society relations o... more This paper makes the first attempt to measure economic disengagement in state-society relations on a regional level, using the case of Russia. An original composite index was calculated based on a number of indicators measuring different spheres of contact between the state and society. The study examines regional diversity in intensity of economic disengagement in state-society relations in Russia. It also attempts to identify determinants of economic disengagement on a regional level. Seeking to identify regional level predictors of the intensity of disengagement, the study focuses on the specificity of the Russian space-its federal structure based on a combination of territorial and ethnic principles. The results show that economic disengagement is least intense in regions belonging to the Russian Far North, which points to the role of physical-geographical factors and path dependence. They also reveal that residents of ethnically-defined regions tend to be less economically disengaged than residents of oblasts and krays. Moreover, the share of ethnic Russians is positively related to economic disengagement in the former regions, while it is not significant in the latter. These findings potentially point to differences between ethnic Russians and members of titular groups in terms of their intensity of interaction with the state in the economic sphere.
Previous research shows that structural, cultural and social integration determine migrants’ sett... more Previous research shows that structural, cultural and social integration determine migrants’ settlement intentions. We move beyond such explanations, and consider whether psychological integration at a local level may underlie the relation between social integration and the intention to stay, while accounting for structural and cultural integration. We conceptualise social integration as ties with the natives, and access to emotional and instrumental social capital in the destination country. Psychological integration is captured by place attachment understood as an emotional bond with the city of residence. We take the case of Ukrainian migrants, currently the largest group of temporary migrants in Europe. Using survey data from Warsaw, Poland, we found that migrants having strong ties with Poles were more strongly attached to Warsaw, which in turn increased their willingness to stay in Poland. Emotional social capital but not instrumental social capital had an indirect effect on settlement intentions via place attachment, but only for repeat migrants. These findings held independent of the level of structural and cultural integration and length of time spent in Poland. The study points to the importance of psychological integration at a local level and the migrants’ emotional support, in shaping settlement intentions of temporary migrants.
The changes, sometimes dramatic, in the size and structure of the ethnic groups of the Russian Fe... more The changes, sometimes dramatic, in the size and structure of the ethnic groups of the Russian Federation (RF) raise questions about their possible futures. The paper presents simulations of how ethnic groups of the RF could develop in the future and discusses the demographic aspects of the predicted changes. The simulations cover a 25-year period, from 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2036 and were prepared for the 22 most numerous ethnic groups using a multistate cohort-component population dynamics model. To prepare the assumptions for the simulations, ethnicity-specific data (no longer collected) on fertility, mortality, and international migration were used. The results indicate that in the coming 20 years Russia will face numerous challenges related to the changes in the size, age structure, and ethnic composition of its population. The population of the RF will age and, except in the “Modernization” scenario, will shrink. Non-Slavic and Muslim populations will increase their share in the total population at the expense of Slavic and Orthodox ethnic groups and will age more slowly.
The paper discusses economic and developmental consequences of future population changes in Russi... more The paper discusses economic and developmental consequences of future population changes in Russia, taking into account demographic changes both on the country level and broken down by ethnic group. It focuses on their impact on the labour market, pension system and economy, including regional development, also taking into consideration differences between ethnic groups as regards their demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The role of international migration is discussed separately.
The article explores recent developments in the non-electoral sociopolitical engagement of societ... more The article explores recent developments in the non-electoral sociopolitical engagement of society in contemporary Russia. Referring to the concepts of political opportunity structure and framing, it considers existing coping strategies that represent alternatives to disengagement — a shift from higher-level political issues to social or local problems and engagement through state-controlled structures — in terms of their role in the development of civil society. The analysis, embedded in the regional context of Tatarstan and Yaroslavl Oblast, points to the limitations and merits of both forms of participation, arguing why, despite their inferiority to unrestricted independent activism, they should not be dismissed.
This report is the result of one year of multi-dimensional field research conducted by a internat... more This report is the result of one year of multi-dimensional field research conducted by a international research team representing seven countries (Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova). It aims at a detailed analysis of migration patterns and migration forecasts from Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova to the EU and the Visegrad Group (V4). In particular, the nexus between EU visa policy and migration dynamics as well as the impact of economic, political and institutional factors on migration patterns from Eastern Europe have been investigated.
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