Features of social integration in border regions of Russia

The processes that contribute to the growth of disunity around the world make it important to study the issues of social integration of the population. The purpose of the study is to examine the features of social integration of the population in the border regions of the Russian Federation, which differ in socioeconomic situation (Altai Krai, the Kaliningrad Oblast, the Voronezh Oblast, Khabarovsk Krai), based on the following indicators: identity, civic position, sense of pride or shame for one’s country, national unity in Russia. This paper presents an analysis of the results of a sociological study conducted in 2021 in the above-mentioned regions. We have found that the considered indicators of social integration of the population depend on socio-demographic indicators (age, gender, nationality). Residents have a high level of civic identity; territorial and professional identities are relevant. The civic position of residents of border regions is implemented most often by drawing attention to problems, attempts to solve them using the media, the Internet, and online services. Less popular forms of citizenship are active participation in the public, cultural, sports, and political life of the country. There is a negative trend associated with the fact that residents of the regions began to feel ashamed of their country more often and spoke less often about the national unity in Russia. These changes have a negative impact on the level of social integration of the population in the border regions of the country. Consequently, these issues require detailed study, development and adoption of a set of measures to improve the situation.