Subethnic groups and the reflection of their numbers in post-Soviet population censuses (on the example of the Volga region)

the ethnic factor plays a major role in the socio-political life of modern Russia. In this regard, the study of the dynamics of ethnocultural diversity of local communities, its specificity in different periods is of great academic interest. The article provides a brief overview of the scientific literature of the Soviet and post-Soviet periods devoted to the study of the structure of the ethnos and its divisions. The most frequently used definition of the concept of «subethnos» in modern Russian ethnological science is given. The features of accounting for the ethnic composition of the population during general censuses in Soviet times, as well as in modern Russia, are separately covered. In this regard, the Volga region is of great interest. The population of this territory is extremely diverse and complex in its ethnic composition. For this reason, the study of the dynamics of ethnocultural diversity of local communities, its specificity in different periods is not only of great scientific importance, but also of practical application in the implementation of ethnocultural policy in the country. This region of Russia ranks first in the country in terms of the absolute number of non-Russian ethnic groups, and second only to the North Caucasus region in terms of their share in the total population. Using the example of the ethnic groups of the Volga region, an analysis is made of the reasons for the revival and development of sub-ethnic identities, and various factors influencing them are given. The statistical data shows the dynamics of the number of sub-ethnic groups among the Volga ethnic groups. The regions of the Volga region show their local specifics in terms of the degree of actualization of the sub-ethnic identification of citizens during census campaigns, as well as the socio-political component of this phenomenon. In this regard, the experience of the Republic of Bashkortostan is especially indicative, where certain efforts were made to revive the Mishar sub-ethnic identity at the regional level at scientific importance, but also practical application.

субэтнос, этнос, этническая группа, этничность, этностатистика, этническое возрождение, межнациональные отношения, бесермяне, мишари, кряшены, нагайбаки