Melting pot» at «low temperature»: applicability of the US migration experience to Russia

The aim of this study is to analyze possible ways to overcome dissatisfaction and anxiety towards migrants among Russian citizens. The theory of assimilation by R. Park and the concept of the "melting pot" are used to analyze the problem, but they prove to be inadequate for the current urban reality. In contrast to these theories, the theory of "housing classes" by J. Rex and R. Moore is presented, which includes the material factor overlooked by the Chicago School theorists. The advantages and disadvantages of these theories are analyzed in relation to their applicability to the Russian situation. It is revealed that Russian society is not fully ready to accept migrants and support their adaptation, and migrants are unable to fully integrate into Russian society and become a part of it. As a conclusion, directions for working with migrants are presented, starting from organizing living spaces and the material sphere to improving communication between the native population and newcomers. In order to achieve this, migrants need to be socialized by teaching them the language and culture, and improving interaction in schools where future Russian citizens are formed. The organization of living spaces is a key direction for the sociology of architecture, as the potential "ghettoization" of an area is more dangerous for a city than language barriers, while still acknowledging their importance.