THE ETHNIC IDENTITY: REPRESENTATION in SELF-IMAGE and AUTO-STEREOTYPE

(on the data of students` research)

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of relationship between concepts «personal identity», «self-image», «ethnic self-identification», «ethnic / national identity».

The study focuses on the problem of determinants and content of group and person`s ethnic self-identification, which is especially urgent at the time rapid social, economic and political changes in the society («the ethnic paradox of modernity»). It analyzes the main theoretical approaches to defining «the ethnic identity» and «the national identity». The author has described the functions, the two-component structure and study methods of the ethnic identity.

The main features of organization, methodological and analysis of the empirical research results have been outlined. The main empirical information for the study was obtained by using: 1) the method «Attribution of personality traits» (authors were: D. Kutz, K. Braly, modified by Stefanenko T. G.); 2) the personality inventory «Types of ethnic identity» (authors were: Н. U. Soldatova, S. V. Ryzhova). Students of the Rivne State University of the Humanities became participants of the research, total number of participants – 72 students of two faculties, aged 19-21 years.

The received date was described and interpreted. The analysis of data makes it possible to explain the content of the auto-stereotype of the Ukrainian. The results of the research prove the positive attitude of respondents to the own ethnic group. Here is list of the personal traits with the largest number of elections under study patriotism, diligence, generosity, keenness, endurance, hospitality.

The analysis of data makes it possible to explain the specific features of representation of elements of the ethnic identity in the self-image.The article also grounds the perspective of studies of cognitive and emotional-evaluation components of the structure of the ethnic identity.