«I am a patriot»: coordinates of the status position of Russian students (on the example of Moscow universities)

Tyumen State University Herald. Social, Economic, and Law Research


Release:

2025. Vol. 11. № 2 (42)

Title: 
«I am a patriot»: coordinates of the status position of Russian students (on the example of Moscow universities)


For citation:

Kargapolova, E. V., Koshkin, A. P., Pritulenko, M. S., & Khimich, V. S. 2025. “I am a Patriot”: coordinates of the status position of Russian students (on the example of Moscow universities). Tyumen State University Herald. Social, Economic, and Law Research, 11(2), 42–67. https://doi.org/10.21684/2411-7897-2025-11-2-42-67



About the authors:

Ekaterina V. Kargapolova, Dr. Sci. (Soc.), Associate Professor, Professor, Department of Political Analysis and Socio-Psychological Processes, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia; k474671@list.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2892-3953, Scopus ID: 57210744250

Andrey P. Koshkin, Dr. Sci. (Pol.), Professor, Head of the Department of Political Analysis and Socio-Psychological Processes, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia
koshkin.ap@rea.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2331-5497, ResearcherID: T-1005-2018

Maria S. Pritulenko, Undergraduate Student, Department of Sociology, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia
pritulenko.mariaaaaa@gmail.com

Valeria S. Khimich, Undergraduate Student, Department of Sociology, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia
khimichler@gmail.com

Abstract:

The article analyzes the status position of “I am a patriot” among contemporary Russian student youth based on empirical research conducted in several Moscow universities using the methodology of the Russian Sociological Society. The study revealed a significant increase in the number of students confidently identifying themselves as patriots, which may be due to both changes in the socio-political situation and the intensification of patriotic education. It has been revealed that the status position of “patriot” is directly related to family and ancestral identity, historical memory, traditional values such as respect for elders, and service to the country. The study confirms the enduring reliability of interpersonal communication in fostering patriotism. However, this patriotic position is characterized by instability and situationally, reflected in a decline in interest in the spiritual legacy of the Great Patriotic War as veterans pass away. Despite these mixed trends, the research offers hope for strengthening patriotism among students. The rise in self-identification with patriotic values, coupled with continued respect for history, creates a favorable environment for development awareness and responsibility for the country’s future. It is important to adapt methods of patriotic education where personal stories are reinforced by pride in the country’s entire history.

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