Specific axiosphere of the residents of the Northern Karelian border area

The article examines specific features of value orientations of people living in a northern region of the Republic of Karelia - Kostomuksha urban district located on the border with Finland. The study is based on the empirical data obtained during the 2019 scientific expedition entitled “Ways to preserve human capital as a pressing issue of the Republic of Karelia”. The axiosphere of the respondents participating in this study is considered as a source and regulator of human capital, which is formed under the influence of the sociocultural situation in the city of Kostomuksha. In the methodology of the study the leading role was assigned to Schwartz’s Value Survey, well-validated in dozens of countries and widely used over the past 20 years. The authors also conducted interviews and used other standard and unconventional questionnaires, as well as focus groups and case studies. As a result, several historical, demographic, economic and educational factors were identified that influence the formation of the distinguishing features of the single-industry city residents’ axiosphere. The authors also concluded that the unique axiosphere of Kostomuksha urban district contributed to the preservation of human capital in this northern Karelian area.