The structure of the Mordovian ethnos: methodological aspects of the problem

The article analyzes the methodological concepts of the structure of ethnic groups and their hierarchical taxa. It describes in detail the contemporary ethnic structure of the Mordovian people, special attention is paid to the characteristics of the ethnic and territorial groups. It analyzes their status depending on the time of their formation, ethno-cultural, socio-economic and ethno-political aspects of the functioning.