Perceptions of student youth in the North Caucasus about the cultural and historical heritage of the Soviet past

The article presents the results of a study on the opinion of student youth living in the North Caucasus on the USSR heritage. The image of the “Soviet people” and “Soviet heritage” among representatives of the generation with no experience of life in the USSR is determined. The research data did not reveal any diametrical differentiation in the perception and assessment of the Soviet heritage among the student youth. The difference in assessments of the Soviet people's characteristics by foreign respondents and Russians is emphasized. A high level of ideal perception of the Soviet heritage, a positive attitude towards the Soviet community and the continuity of a positive image through the family institution are determined. The results obtained and the conclusions formulated can be useful to political elites, public authorities at different levels and relevant municipal structures.