Migrants And Xenophobia In Russia: Perceptions of Russian Youth

• In Event: International Perspectives on Immigration and Crime

Abstract

Russia has experienced a significant growth and presence of foreign born nationals in the past 25 years since the breakdown of the Soviet Union. Some estimates suggest that there are 10 million legal and 4 million illegal migrants, mostly from the former Soviet Republics (primarily from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine). They are engaged in construction, service and retail industries. Although generally the state policy appears to be welcoming towards migrants, public attitudes remain controversial. The presence of the foreign born has raised debates in the public discourse and in the media. Hate crimes against foreign nationals and riots calling for greater restrictions on migration are not uncommon. The purpose of this study is to determine how Russian University students perceive both legal and illegal migrants. More specifically we examine the influence of factors that include anomie, nationalism and patriotism, political affiliation, religiosity, cultural and economic competition on xenophobia. The sample for the study consist of students who are currently studying at several universities in St. Petersburg, Russia. Data will be collected in spring 2017. Findings and policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Anna Gurinskaya, St. Petersburg State University

• Mahesh K Nalla, Michigan State University