Ivanova, N., Egorova, T., Varshaver, E., Savin, I. (2024). «To Live Just Like We Do»: Russian Residents’ Perceptions of Migrant Integration. Current problems of Europe, (4), 98-133. [in Russian]

The article analyzes the perceptions of the process of migrant integration common among Russian residents. The study was conducted using a qualitative methodology. A total of 100 interviews and 40 focus groups from five regions of Russia were collected and analyzed. The primary finding of the study is that Russian residents see the integration of migrants as possible for any migrant, provided there is a desire to integrate. In the perception of locals, however, some migrants – from former Soviet Republics or those who have spoken Russian since childhood – have an advantage in integration. The research has shown that the perception of migrant integration into Russian society is seen as of a process of «normalization» requiring active actions from the migrants. Local residents deemed adherence to social norms and laws, striving to learn the Russian language, minimal interaction with the local population, and respect for the local culture critical for successful integration. Some participants also emphasized the necessity of mastering the Russian language, participation in and knowledge of local culture, acquisition of documents or citizenship, attachment to Russia, and contribution to society. As a result of the analysis, common barriers to integration have been found, including violation of norms and laws, lack of desire to learn the Russian language and interact with the local population, and disrespect for culture, as well as less common ones, such as not speaking Russian, excessive demonstration of migrants’ «own» culture, wearing «national» clothing and hijab, lack of documents or attachment to Russia, and living in two countries. In general, however, the concepts of the process of immigrant integration among Russian residents are extremely varied, there exists a necessity of deeper research into the mechanisms forming such views.