Urban responses to the challenge of ethnic and cultural diversity (Perm, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don)

Abstract

Dealing with the topic of the ethno-cultural diversity in the large cities of Russia and using the data of longitudinal surveys of the «Public Opinion» Foundation, the author analyzes the specificity of Perm, Ufa and Rostov-on-Don. The paper emphasizes that both the anonymous character and individuality of urban life in a city with one - million population predetermine the limitation of integrative values that allow to speculate about the urban communities. Under these circumstances the key factor maintaining the mutual consent is the cultural plurality being characteristic of the large cities. This pluralism represented with different forms ensures the balance of interests of various groups of citizens.