Levada Centre fixes growth of intolerance to natives of the Caucasus

The "Levada Centre" explains the growth of xenophobic attitudes towards natives of the Caucasus by the deterioration of the socio-economic situation. At the same time, the sociological survey published today indicates a marked improvement in the attitude of Russian residents to natives from Chechnya.

According to the data presented by the "Levada Centre", as a whole, the negative attitude towards residents of the Caucasus increased from 22% to 23% within the year. At the same time, as of July 2018, the number of questioned Russians, who "would not let Chechens into the country", as compared with August 2010, decreased from 38% to 27%.

"Over the past year, we saw a redistribution of antipathies: earlier, the population showed a high level of support for isolationist attitudes towards "Caucasians" and "natives from Central Asia"; now – in relation to Roma people (Gypsies) (from 17% to 32% during the year) and Chinese nationals (from 15% up to 31%). The number of those who are sure that the authorities should deter the influx of migrants has increased: from 58% to 67%," the study notes.

Sociologists have stressed that "the growth of xenophobic sentiments is a redirection of Russians' irritation to "the other", caused by discontent with pension reform and worsening consumer and social sentiments."

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 27, 2018 at 05:18 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.