Peoples of formerly Soviet Central Asia: An intercultural study in historical perspective.

摘要

The problem. The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics of and intercultural relationships among major cultural groups in formerly Soviet Central Asia, culturally integrating and differentiating processes in the context of the Soviet Union's breakup and possible consequences in newly independent states.; Method. Historical research methods, with qualitative content analysis and Francis' (1976) interethnic relations theory, were used to analyze cultural characteristics and factors affecting cultural integration and differentiation. Major Soviet policies and plans and outside influences contributing to cultural integration and differentiation were identified, along with their impact on intercultural relationships and the collapse of the Soviet Union.; Results. Five titular cultural groups, Kazakhs, Kirghiz, Tajiks, Turkmen, and Uzbeks, function as host societies for 22 other groups. Seven are primary ethnic groups: Gypsies, Indians, Jews, Karakalpaks, Kurds, Russians, and Ukrainians. There are 15 secondary ethnic groups. Findings about these types of groups and their intercultural interactions support Francis' theory about interethnic relationships. Lifestyle, linguistic and religious affiliations impact intercultural relationships. Four historically distinct lifestyles, five linguistic families, three major religions, and a range of racial types are represented.; Major policies and plans affecting intercultural relationships were implemented by the central Soviet and republic governments and the Communist Party. These simultaneously integrated and differentiated groups and contributed to disintegration of the Soviet Union. Included are census and nationalities policies, language and literacy programs, politically or economically motivated displacement of cultural groups, economic dislocation and stagnation, centralized decision-making, glasnost, and perestroika. Outside influences affecting cultural integration and differentiation and contributing to the Soviet Union's collapse include: historical and contemporary colonial, economic and political alliances; major wars, especially World War II; intercultural relationships based on shared religious, linguistic and/or cultural characteristics; Cold War competition; and changing global communications and technology access. Policies, plans and outside factors which particularly influenced Central Asia include Islamic ties and policies; Stalin's policies; Russian foreign policies and activities; residual Communist power; and control of resources.