Arctic Discourse in the Values of Students

This article analyzes the value attitude towards the Arctic of students from three Russian universities: Ammosov NorthEastern Federal University, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Arkhangelsk Region, and Murmansk Arctic (formerly State) University, Murmansk Region. The questionnaire survey “Living the Arctic” was conducted in 2017–2019 (N = 441), and again in 2024 (N = 441) as part of the author’s study “The Arctic in the Values of Students of Arctic Universities”. A comparative analysis of its results showed that the most significant values for an Arctic person are: family, material security, health, unity with nature and true friends. The value of wealth, personal freedom, and independence has increased. Students became less likely to select the options “northern attraction” and “interesting work” as illustrating the reasons for their attachment to the Arctic. The share of those who chose the alarming scenario of the future development of the region in the questionnaire has increased. At the same time, the responses of young people, especially in the Murmansk region, reflect positive dynamics: the plans and intentions of those surveyed include living and working in the Arctic.