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The Russian-Speaking Minority in Estonia: The Young Generation's Self-Identification and Sense of Belonging

Mezujeva, Jana LU (2026) SANM05 20261
Social Anthropology
Abstract
This master’s thesis explores the ethnic self-identification of young Russian speakers from Estonia, as well as their sense of belonging to Estonia and the Estonian society. The research focuses on an understudied group of younger people who did not experience the life under the Soviet Union, which leads to them not sharing the identification of a “Soviet citizen” that was common for the older generation, as well as a much weaker connection to Russia. As most of the previous research on Russian-speakers in Estonia mostly focuses on their identity, belonging is likewise an understudied aspect when it comes to this demographic. However, belonging to Estonia and the Estonian society is major concern for Russian-speakers in Estonia today, for... (More)
This master’s thesis explores the ethnic self-identification of young Russian speakers from Estonia, as well as their sense of belonging to Estonia and the Estonian society. The research focuses on an understudied group of younger people who did not experience the life under the Soviet Union, which leads to them not sharing the identification of a “Soviet citizen” that was common for the older generation, as well as a much weaker connection to Russia. As most of the previous research on Russian-speakers in Estonia mostly focuses on their identity, belonging is likewise an understudied aspect when it comes to this demographic. However, belonging to Estonia and the Estonian society is major concern for Russian-speakers in Estonia today, for older and younger generation alike. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Mezujeva, Jana LU
supervisor
organization
course
SANM05 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Social Anthropology, Self-Identification, Belonging, Russian-speaking minority, Estonia
language
English
id
9231555
date added to LUP
2026-06-06 17:58:43
date last changed
2026-06-06 17:58:43
@misc{9231555,
  abstract     = {{This master’s thesis explores the ethnic self-identification of young Russian speakers from Estonia, as well as their sense of belonging to Estonia and the Estonian society. The research focuses on an understudied group of younger people who did not experience the life under the Soviet Union, which leads to them not sharing the identification of a “Soviet citizen” that was common for the older generation, as well as a much weaker connection to Russia. As most of the previous research on Russian-speakers in Estonia mostly focuses on their identity, belonging is likewise an understudied aspect when it comes to this demographic. However, belonging to Estonia and the Estonian society is major concern for Russian-speakers in Estonia today, for older and younger generation alike.}},
  author       = {{Mezujeva, Jana}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Russian-Speaking Minority in Estonia: The Young Generation's Self-Identification and Sense of Belonging}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}