Theoretical and methodological foundations of the research of ethnicity: from general categories to the specifics of the Adyghe identity

Introduction. In the context of contemporary challenges related to managing ethnocultural diversity, this research is particularly significant. On the one hand, there is a theoretical need to overcome the ambiguity of basic categories («ethnos», «identity», «tradition») and develop a holistic model linking objective cultural structures and subjective self-awareness. On the other hand, there is a practical need to understand the mechanisms for preserving ethnic unity outside a compact territory, a point vividly illustrated by the example of the global Adyghe (Circassian) diaspora. Studying the cultural «code» (Adyghe) allows us not only to analyze the factors of ethnic stability but also to propose models for harmonizing interethnic relations in multicultural regions such as the North Caucasus and developing strategies for preserving cultural heritage in the context of globalization. Thus, the research is relevant both as a contribution to fundamental theory and for addressing applied socio-political issues.
The materials and methods. The research is based on a synthesis of a systems approach, the principle of historicism, and structural-functional analysis. The theoretical basis is provided by the works of classic Russian ethnologists (Yu.V. Bromley, S.A. Arutyunov, Yu.I. Mkrtumyan, B.Kh. Bgazhnokov, et al.), whose concepts are applied to the study of the Adyghe ethnocultural complex.
The research resulted in the construction of a theoretical model in which the Adyghe ethical complex, which permeates all identified cultural subsystems, plays a system-forming role in maintaining the Adyghe identity.
Discussion and Conclusion. It has been established that the defining characteristic of an ethnic group is ethnic self-awareness, marked by an endoethnonym. The key mechanism for the stability of the Adyghe ethnic group is the socio-normative complex of «Adyghe» and «Adyghe khabze», which structures identity and ensures the reproduction of cultural integrity, even in the diaspora. Ethnicity is viewed as a system in which an objective cultural framework and subjective self-awareness are dynamically interconnected.

1. Bromley, Yu.V. Essays on the Theory of Ethnos. Moscow, 1983; Arutyunov S.A., Mkrtumyan Yu.I. Problems of typological study of life-support mechanisms of ethnic culture // Typology of basic elements of traditional culture. Moscow, 1985; Arutyunov, S.A. Ethnicity – objective reality // Ethnographic Review. 1995. No. 5; Bgazhnokov B.Kh. Adyghe Ethics. Nalchik, 1999. [In Russ.]

2. Bromley, Yu.V. Op. cit. P. 56. [In Russ.]

3. Nalchadzhyan, A.A. Ethnopsychology. Moscow; St. Petersburg, 2004. P. 305.

4. Ibid. [In Russ.]

5. Volkova, N.G. Ethnonyms and tribal names of the North Caucasus. Moscow, 1973. P. 18. [In Russ.]

6. Arutyunov, S.A. Ethnicity – an objective reality // Ethnographic Review. 1999. No. 5. P. 37. [In Russ.]

7. Ibid. [In Russ.]

8. Babakov, V.G. Crisis Ethnicities. Moscow, 1993. P. 16-18. [In Russ.]

9. Cheboksarov, N.N. Problems of the typology of ethnic communities in the works of Soviet Scholars // Soviet Ethnography. 1967. No. 4. P. 99. [In Russ.]

10. Lebedeva, N.M. Introduction to ethnic and cross-cultural Psychology. Moscow, 1999. P. 19-20. [In Russ.]

11. Soldatova, G.U. Psychology of interethnic tensions. M., 1998. P. 51. [In Russ.]

12. Ibid. [In Russ.]

13. Lebedeva, N. Op. cit. P. 20-21. [In Russ.]

14. Bgazhnokov, B.Kh. Adyghe Ethics. Nalchik, 1999. P. 15-16. [In Russ.]

15. Lurye, S.V. Historical Ethnology. M., 1997. P. 40-41. [In Russ.]

16. Arutyunov, S.A., Cheboksarov, N.N. Information transfer as a mechanism for the existence of ethnosocial and biological groups of humanity // Races and Peoples. Issue 2. M., 1972. P. 11. [In Russ.]

17. Shadzhe. A., Sheudzhen. E. North Caucasian Society: an experience of systems analysis. Moscow; Maikop, 2004. P. 46-47. [In Russ.]

18. Bromley Yu.V. Ibid. 1983. P. 127. [In Russ.]

19. Markaryan, E.S. Key problems of the theory of cultural tradition // Soviet Ethnography. 1981. P. 80. [In Russ.]

20. Bromley. Yu.V. Ibid. 1983. P. 127. [In Russ.]

21. Kudayeva. S.G. The Adyghs (Circassians): Ethnos, Diaspora. Maikop, 2024. P. 305-326. [In Russ.]

22. Arutyunov. S.A., Mkrtumyan, Yu.I. Problems of typological study of life-support mechanisms of ethnic culture // Typology of basic elements of traditional culture. Moscow, 1985. P. 42-46. [In Russ.]