Foresight research on civic identity and integration of ethnic groups in Kazakhstan

Research topic: "Conducting a foresight research on the issues of civic identity and integration of ethnic groups in Kazakhstan."

Research goal. Analysis and forecasting of civic identity and integration of ethnic groups in Kazakhstan.

Research object is ethnic groups living on the territory of Kazakhstan.

Research subject is measures of state policy on issues of civic identity and integration of ethnic groups in Kazakhstan.

To achieve the goal of the research project, the following tasks were set:

• Determine the level of integration of ethnic groups in the Kazakh space;
• identify facilitating / constraining factors for integration;
• identify cognitive, emotional, behavioral factors contributing to the formation of civic identity in ethnic groups of Kazakhstan;
• development of recommendations for strengthening the integration processes among the ethnic groups of Kazakhstan;
• development of predictive scenarios in strengthening civic identity and integration of ethnic groups in Kazakhstan, based on the recommendations of experts based on the results of focus group discussions;
• explore the causes of interethnic conflicts and their impact on the level of integration of ethnic groups.

Research method. Foresight research includes elements of interaction and taking into account the opinions of leading experts in the field of interethnic relations, including decision-makers. To implement this study, a combined method was used:

1. focus group discussion (hereinafter - FGD) with the involvement of experts in the field of interethnic relations;
2. content - analysis of media in the language of ethnic groups, with the involvement of experts with knowledge of the relevant languages.

Research sample. Focus group discussions were held in 5 cities of Kazakhstan (Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, Petropavlovsk, Uralsk). The cities for the focus groups were selected taking into account their regional characteristics. In total, about 80 people took part in focus groups in all 5 cities. Focus groups were conducted in two languages: Kazakh and Russian.

For content analysis, such print media as Zhanubiy Kozogiston, Akhiska, Zhiyana Kurd, Kazachiy Kurier, Kazachiy Vedomosti, Uygur Avazi published in the languages ​​of ethnic groups were selected. Experts with knowledge of the languages ​​of ethnic groups, who are able to understand the content of the published edition, were involved in the analysis of media content data.