Investigation of Social Distance in Ethnic Youth Groups Using the Semantic Differential Method

Abstract

This study examines the stereotypes that determine the trends in the development of a large social group within a regional society, understood in the context of the research as an entity uniting homogeneous elements in the form of subjects belonging to the same ethnic group. The content and conclusions of the study are based on the results of applying the Semantic Differential method to study the perception and specificity of assessment by representatives of various ethnic youth groups residing in the Irkutsk region of each other based on national identity. It is emphasized that the values of the studied indicators represent the social distance between com-munities, which is the subject of study within the framework of this research. The differentiation of large social groups in the region is revealed based on parameters of perception of interaction forms between them and the prevalence of socio-cultural stereotypes, which is manifested in different evaluative judgments from represent-atives of ethnic youth groups regarding personality traits, activity, and degree of dominance in the social space. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for continued research into the dynamics of social distance and stereotypes within ethnic youth groups. By shedding light on these phenomena, the research contributes to broader discussions on intergroup relations and social cohesion in regional contexts.