D. V. Trubitsyn, I. S. Dorogavtseva. Transbaikalian Identity: Stereotypes in the Structure of Regional Self-Consciousness

https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.134.034.202601.159-180
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/pyxcmgISSN 2413-1407
УДК / UDC 159.923.2-027.541 (571.54/.55) ISSN 2587-8549

Abstract

Introduction. Transformational processes in Russian society are highlighting the importance of studying regional identities as a factor in maintaining sociocultural stability, particularly in remote and border regions. The complex demographic and socioeconomic situation in the Trans-Baikal Territory necessitates the search for new methods for analyzing the self-awareness of its residents. The purpose of this article is to test and substantiate the effectiveness of a stereotypical approach (analyzing established ideas about oneself and the region from the outside) to identify the underlying, stable components of regional self-awareness.

Materials and Methods. The theoretical basis of the study is a constructivist approach. The empirical base includes a corpus of texts from internet blogs, the press, and scientific publications, analyzed using discourse analysis and historical analysis. To obtain quantitative data, a representative sociological survey was conducted in 2024 among residents of the Trans-Baikal Territory (n = 400, quota-proportional sample by gender and age). The research methodology ensured that the formality/informality of stereotype representation was taken into account, with the latter clearly dominating identity.

Results. The effectiveness of auto- and hetero-stereotype analysis as a method for identifying stable, often unreflected, components of identity has been confirmed. The specificity of Transbaikalian identity has been revealed: while being an integral part of the pan-Russian identity, it possesses a unique set of meanings based on its geographical borderland, multi-ethnicity, and historical experience. A semantic discrepancy has been recorded: external heterostereotypes form the image of a “backwater province”, while autostereotypes emphasize originality, independence, and a “middle” position. Internal dynamism and ability to integrate opposing assessments ensure stability and potential for development.

Discussion and Conclusion. The study demonstrates the existence of a distinct Transbaikal regional identity and the effectiveness of a stereotypical approach to its study. The findings have practical value for shaping regional and cultural policy, as well as for further research in the fields of cultural sociology and regional studies.

Keywords: regional identity, Transbaikalia, Transbaikalians, heterostereotypes, autostereotypes, frontier

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Trubitsyn D.V., Dorogаvtseva I.S. Transbaikalian Identity: Stereotypes in the Structure of Regional Self-Consciousness. Russian Journal of Regional Studies. 2026;34(1):159–180. https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.134.034.202601.159-180

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About the authors:

Dmitry V. Trubitsyn, Dr.Sci. (Philos.), Professor of the Chair of Theory and History of Culture, Arts, and Design at the Transbaikal State University (30 Aleksandro-Zavodskaya St., Chita 672039, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1867-4217, Scopus ID: 56530632300, Researcher ID: P-2140-2016, SPIN-code: 7037-7790, dvtrubitsyn@yandex.ru

Irina S. Dorogavtseva, Cand.Sci. (Cultural Studies), Associate Professor of the Chair of European Languages and Linguodidactics at the Transbaikal State University (30 Aleksandro-Zavodskaya St., Chita 672039, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4034-3397, SPIN-code: 1194-1519, irinadorogawzewa@mail.ru

Contribution of the authors:

D. V. Trubitsyn – investigation; writing – review and editing.

I. S. Dorogаvtseva – investigation; writing – review and editing.

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the authors on reasonable request.

The authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 07.04.2025; revised 23.07.2025; accepted 07.08.2025.