SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF URBAN COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATION IN THE BORDER CENTRAL BLACK EARTH REGIONS OF RUSSIA
V.P. Babintsev1, G.N. Gaidukova2, Zh.A. Shapoval1
1Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
2The Russian Presidential Academy Of National Economy And Public Administration, North-West Institute of Management, St. Petersburg, Russia
Keywords: social consolidation, urban community, social solidarity, consolidation infrastructure, sociological research, border region
Abstract
This article examines the social determinants of urban community consolidation. Its goal is to test hypotheses regarding the relationship between long-term socio-economic and socio-demographic trends in urban communities within Russia’s border regions and the population’s perception of social consolidation. By comparing statistical data and sociological research findings, the authors demonstrate that attitudes toward consolidation are not necessarily tied to favorable demographic indicators. Migration has a mixed impact on the prevalence of consolidation in the public consciousness (when cultural distance is significant, consolidation tendencies strengthen among natives as a protective response, whereas smaller cultural distances do not encourage solidarization). The study finds that the “upper" and “lower" strata of the urban population are most inclined toward consolidation, while the “middle" class remains relatively passive. Paradoxically, the erosion of the middle class fosters stronger consolidation attitudes. Additionally, the population’s awareness of the presence of consolidation infrastructure in their city (such as NGOs and public associations) and participation in these organizations contribute to the development and spread of consolidation efforts.
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