Gumilyov Journal of Sociology is a peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal. The journal is the successor to the scientific publication "Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Series: Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology," which had been published since 1995. In 2025, as a result of the division and rebranding of the aforementioned series, the journal was established as an independent scientific publication under the title Gumilyov Journal of Sociology. The archive of the previous series remains available on the website of the "Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Series: Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology", while new manuscripts in the field of sociology are accepted through the official website of the Gumilyov Journal of Sociology. The journal is registered with the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Certificate of Registration No. KZ81VPY00114486, dated March 11, 2025. The journal has been assigned international standard serial numbers: ISSN Print: 3080-1702 ISSN Online: 3104-4638 The journal is published four times a year: March, June, September, and December. The journal publishes materials in Kazakh, Russian, and English. The journal is included in Тhe list of publications recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The goal of the Gumilyov Journal of Sociology is to advance scientific communication in the field of sociological sciences through the publication of original, methodologically sound, and academically significant research focused on the study of social processes, institutions, relationships, inequalities, social changes, and pressing public issues. The journal strives to become an open academic platform for presenting the results of fundamental and applied research, developing theoretical and empirical sociology, strengthening the culture of scientific publication, and integrating Kazakhstani sociological science into the international research space. The mission of the Gumilyov Journal of Sociology is to uphold high standards of scientific integrity, academic discussion, and publication ethics in the fields of sociology and related social sciences. The journal is oriented toward developing a scientific dialogue between Kazakhstani and foreign researchers, promoting interdisciplinary approaches, expanding access to the results of contemporary sociological research, and increasing the visibility of studies dedicated to the society of Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Eurasia, and global social processes. Scientific Scopes of the Journal The journal accepts materials for consideration in the following scientific fields in accordance with the Classifier of Scientific Directions approved by the Order of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated September 30, 2024, No. 466, "On Approval of the Classifier of Scientific Directions": 50400 Sociological Sciences 50401 Demography 50402 Family Studies 50403 Mathematical Methods in Social Sciences 50404 Social Problems 50405 Social Work 50406 Sociology 50407 Feminology Thematic Coverage The Gumilyov Journal of Sociology publishes theoretical, methodological, empirical, and applied research in modern sociology and related social sciences. The journal's thematic scope includes social theory and research methods, demography, family and gender studies, social problems, inequality, social work and social policy, economic sociology, sociology of labor and employment, political sociology, civic engagement, sociology of education, youth, culture, urban studies, health, digital environments, media, risk, and sustainable development. The journal is open to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sociology, demography, social work, feminology, economics, politics, and other social sciences. Types of Published Materials The journal accepts for consideration the following types of materials in accordance with the journal's profile, editorial policy, and international publishing practices, including the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing and the NISO JATS (Journal Article Tag Suite) metadata standard: original research articles; review articles and systematic literature reviews; theoretical, methodological, and empirical studies; scientific essays and discussion papers; book, monograph, and scientific publication reviews; letters to the editor and responses to letters to the editor; editorial materials; corrections, comments, and retraction notices. Materials that meet the journal's scientific profile, requirements for academic integrity, publication ethics, and editorial policy are accepted for publication. Target Audience The journal is aimed at professional sociologists, researchers in the social sciences, university faculty, doctoral students, master's students, specialists in social policy, social work, demography, and gender studies, as well as all readers interested in the scientific analysis of contemporary social processes. Founder and Publisher The founder and publisher of the journal is the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Official website of the founder: https://enu.kz/en/ Publisher's address: Republic of Kazakhstan, 010000, Astana, Satpayev St., 2.
UNREALIZED FERTILITY IN KAZAKHSTAN: THE GAP BETWEEN DESIRED AND ACTUAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN
The article analyses the reproductive strategies of Kazakhstan's population based on a representative social survey conducted in 2025 by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS). The sample comprised 8,000 respondents aged 18 and over from all regions of the country. The study aimed to determine the structure of reproductive intentions and identify barriers to the realisation of family strategies. The context is set by a gradual decline in fertility intensity: Kazakhstan's crude birth rate fell from 23.11 per thousand in 2014 to 18.15 in 2024. The methodology is grounded in demographic sociology and operationalises ideal, intended, and actual fertility in accordance with international fertility gap standards. Results show that the two-to-three-child family is the most common model (43.1%), yet 43.7% of respondents would ideally want four or more children, indicating substantial unrealised demographic potential. Key barriers are financial constraints (39.1%), housing problems (23.8%), and uncertainty about the future (16.6%). Gender differences are significant: men are more frequently oriented toward large families (50.3% vs. 37.8% among women). Regional analysis reveals a strong contrast between the south (high prevalence of large families) and the north and centre (low-fertility model). Family value transformation manifests in the spread of the nuclear family model, individualisation of life strategies, and a moderate increase in voluntary childlessness (11.5%). The findings advance understanding of reproductive behaviour in Kazakhstan amid ongoing economic and value transformations and provide empirical evidence relevant to the design of demographic policies.
reproductive strategies, fertility, unrealised fertility, family values, demographic policy, Kazakhstan, regional differentiation, gender differences
Copyright (c) 2026 Gumilyov Journal of Sociology
KAZAKHSTANI SCHOOL TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MULTILINGUALISM: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC INTERPRETATION OF FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS
Multilingual education remains a key priority in Kazakhstan’s educational agenda. However, the practical implementation of this policy largely depends on teachers’ everyday experiences and professional practices within schools. At the policy level, trilingual education is presented as a system aimed at the parallel development of the Kazakh, Russian, and English languages. In practice, however, alongside questions concerning the outcomes of multilingual education, students’ perceptions of different languages, the teaching methods considered most effective by educators, the capacity of textbooks to support multilingual instruction, and the extent of parental involvement in this process, teachers’ personal attitudes toward multilingualism also remain a matter of considerable importance. This article examines school teachers’ perceptions of multilingual education policy in Kazakhstan from a sociolinguistic perspective. The study aims to identify teachers’ views on the role of Kazakh, Russian, and English in the educational space, as well as their assessments of learning outcomes, teaching methodologies, the quality of textbooks, and the practical implementation of language policy within schools. The empirical basis of the study consists of data obtained from two focus group discussions involving 22 teachers from the Alikhan Bokeikhan BINOM School-Lyceum and the Bilim-Innovation Boarding Lyceum for Gifted Girls in Astana. The collected data were analyzed using content and categorical analysis and subsequently organized into several thematic areas, including language priorities, methodological opportunities and challenges of multilingual instruction, issues related to textbooks and curricula, the role of parents in the educational process, and questions of national identity. The findings reveal the existence of systemic barriers to the implementation of trilingual education, as well as a range of conceptual issues requiring sociological and sociolinguistic interpretation. At the same time, the results reflect teachers’ civic positions regarding language policy and educational reform. Particular attention is drawn to tensions arising from the content and quality of textbooks, grammatical and textual materials, students’ language proficiency levels, and parents’ critical attitudes toward school teaching practices. These factors contribute to the emergence of new dynamics within the sphere of social and linguistic relations. The study argues that multilingualism should be understood not merely as a means of acquiring several languages but as a complex social phenomenon situated at the intersection of national identity, social equality, intercultural communication, and pedagogical practice.
multilingualism, sociolinguistics, language policy, teacher, multicultural education, language ideology, national identity
SOCIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS OF RELIGIOSITY AND THEIR INTERPRETATION IN THE MEDIA SPACE: A METHODOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
In the contemporary sociology of religion, the issue of measuring religiosity has become increasingly relevant due to the growing use of international comparative studies, indices, and statistical indicators. However, the interpretation of such data in the media space is often accompanied by the oversimplification of complex sociological categories and the reduction of religiosity to individual indicators of religious practice, which may lead to distorted perceptions of religious reality. The purpose of this study is to analyze the theoretical and methodological foundations of measuring religiosity and to identify the specific features of interpreting relevant data in the contemporary media environment. Particular attention is paid to the scholarly views of Abulfaz Suleymanli regarding the interpretation of statistical data on religiosity. The study also focuses on distinguishing between religious practice, religious identity, and cultural religiosity. The methodological framework of the research is based on theoretical analysis of scholarly literature, as well as comparative and critical-analytical approaches. The theoretical basis is formed by contemporary concepts in the sociology of religion, particularly Grace Davie’s theory of “believing without belonging.” The findings demonstrate that religiosity is a multidimensional social phenomenon that cannot be adequately measured solely through indicators of institutional participation in religious life. The study reveals that a low level of attendance at religious institutions does not necessarily indicate the irreligiosity of a society, since religious identity and cultural forms of religiosity may persist beyond formal religious practice. The research substantiates the need to consider cultural, historical, and social contexts when interpreting empirical data. The scientific and practical significance of the study lies in advancing methodological approaches to the study of religiosity and improving the use and interpretation of sociological data in both academic and public discourse.
religiosity; sociology of religion; media space; sociological measurements; data interpretation; religious identity; believing without belonging; sociological indices; media discourse; methodological analysis; secularization; public perception
MODELS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE FIELD OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTION
This article examines the interactions between non-governmental organizations in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The relevance of the study stems from the need to improve the effectiveness of drug addiction treatment through the development of interorganizational collaboration. The aim of the study is to identify mechanisms of interaction between non-governmental organizations and assess their impact on the effectiveness of the assistance provided. The methodological basis of the study is a qualitative sociological approach using case studies. The study conducted a comparative analysis of the activities of two non-governmental organizations implementing medical and social rehabilitation approaches to drug addiction treatment. Effectiveness was assessed based on the criteria of focus of activity, sustainability of results, and level of social integration. The study revealed that the medical approach provides short-term results but is characterized by a high risk of relapse, while the social rehabilitation approach promotes more sustainable results but requires a long-term period and comprehensive support. It was also established that a lack of coordination between organizations reduces the overall effectiveness of their activities. The scientific novelty of this study lies in its systematization of the forms of interaction between non-governmental organizations and its substantiation of the need to integrate medical and social approaches within inter-organizational collaboration. The practical significance of this work lies in the potential application of the proposed recommendations in developing drug addiction treatment programs in Kazakhstan.
non-governmental organizations, drug addiction, rehabilitation, inter-organizational collaboration, social integration, addiction treatment, case study
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DRUG USE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS BASED ON IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS
Drug addiction remains one of the most pressing issues in modern society, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of psychoactive substance use and pathways to recovery. The aim of this study is to identify the key factors contributing to the onset of psychoactive substance use among young people, as well as the systemic barriers preventing them from receiving effective support. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten adult men aged 25-36 years who had personal experience of drug dependence and were at various stages of recovery in Astana, Kazakhstan. Particular attention is paid to the role of digital technologies in increasing access to drugs and the influence of the family environment on the development of vulnerability to addiction. These two dimensions were not predetermined at the outset of the study but emerged inductively from the thematic analysis as the most analytically distinctive findings of this sample within the Kazakhstani context. The results demonstrate the multifactorial nature of drug use. The dominant factor is peer pressure, particularly from trusted individuals such as older siblings or close friends. The main barriers to seeking help are the fear of stigma, a compulsory registration system, the financial inaccessibility of effective individual rehabilitation, and an acute shortage of qualified addiction treatment specialists. The phenomenon of comorbid addiction, in which gambling and drug use reinforce one another, requires particular attention when developing support programmes. The practical significance of this work lies in the formulation of specific recommendations for government bodies aimed at reforming the support system for people with drug addiction.
drug addiction, risk factors, young people, rehabilitation, family dysfunction, co-occurring addiction
TRANSFORMING FAMILY VALUES IN THE PROCESS OF MODERNIZATION: A CASE STUDY OF KAZAKH FAMILIES IN TURKESTAN REGION
This study examines the impact of modernization on family values in Kazakhstan, focusing on Kazakh families in the Turkestan Region as a case study. Beyond economic and technological changes, modernization fundamentally transforms the structure of social institutions and the value systems of individuals. Against this background, the main aim of the study is to identify how modernization has reshaped the values of the traditional Kazakh family. The theoretical framework draws on Talcott Parsons’ structural-functionalism, Alex Inkeles’ modernization indicators, and contemporary theories of individualization. The study is based on empirical field research conducted among Kazakh families in the Turkestan Region. Quantitative data were collected from 584 respondents selected through a stratified sampling method, while qualitative data were obtained from 20 in-depth interviews. The findings reveal the emergence of a “dual structure” in family values. On the one hand, traditional values such as family unity, respect, and intergenerational solidarity remain strong. On the other hand, modern orientations -particularly individual freedom, gender equality, and joint decision-making- are increasingly prominent, especially among younger generations. Women’s educational attainment and urbanization are identified as key factors driving the spread of modern family values. The study demonstrates that modernization does not lead to the erosion of traditional family values but rather to a process of selective adaptation and hybridization. These findings provide important insights for the development of family policies and the sustainability of intergenerational value transmission in Kazakhstan.
modernization, Kazakh family, family values, social transformation, Turkestan region, intergenerational differences
COMMUNICATION IN THE HYPERMODERN ERA: A SOCIOLOGICAL DECONSTRUCTION OF THE MEDIA SPACE AND INTERGENERATIONAL DIVIDES IN THE TURKIC WORLD
In this study, the transformation of communication processes in Kazakhstan as part of the broader Turkic world under the condition of digitalization is explored. The study uses the concept of “local sociology” and the “Istanbul school” to challenge universalist Western models and focus on the importance of historical and cultural specificity when analyzing non-Western societies. The study uses a qualitative approach based on a secondary analysis of extensive empirical data, including a national survey by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, media mapping reports, and linguistic studies (2023-2025). The methodology used combines comparative analysis, discourse analysis of AI regulation, and the CPM to examine intergenerational communication. The study identified the emergence of a new type of media system characterized by the coexistence of institutional trust in traditional media and the growing role of digital media. The concept of “media archipelago” was developed to describe the fragmented but structured nature of the media system, which is formed by socio-demographic factors like age, education level, and location of residence. The study also identified the importance of digital sovereignty policies, including AI regulation, for shaping the communication environment and protecting individual autonomy. Besides that, there is an identification of intergenerational communication gaps that are associated with digital competencies and communication patterns. Linguistic dynamics show the growing salience of the Kazakh language for social mobility and digital identity building. The study contributes to communication sociology with its non-Western perspective on digital transformation, its conceptualization of hybrid models of media trust, and its incorporation of digital sovereignty into communication analysis. The research has practical implications for media policy, digital literacy campaigns, and intergenerational communication barriers.
communication sociology, Turkic world, media archipelago, digital transformation, digital sovereignty, artificial intelligence regulation, intergenerational communication, Kazakhstan
CITIZEN-CENTRIC GOVERNANCE IN KAZAKHSTAN: SELF-EXPRESSION VALUES OF CITIZENS
Kazakhstan adopts citizen-centric public administration reforms that expand state-society dialogue. Citizen-centric public administration relies on citizens with self-expression values, who can engage with state bodies and participate in decision-making. Citizens can participate in participatory mechanisms such as public councils, local community meetings, participatory budgeting, and other digital platforms. In this study, we conceptualize self-expression values through post-materialist values. The study aims to examine the determinants of post-materialist values among Kazakhstani citizens. The regression analysis has been used to examine the relationship between different factors and the index of post-materialism. The findings show that two factors, such as economic security and socialization, are statistically significant determinants of post-materialist values. Interestingly, contrary to the statements of modernization theory, urban residence is inversely associated with post-materialist values in Kazakhstan. This is explained by the fact that urban residency is related to high living costs, pressure, social and income inequality, which in turn might strengthen materialist values rather than post-materialist values. Findings of this research contribute to the literature on citizen-centric public administration and political culture in Central Asia.
self-expression values, post-materialist values, modernization theory, socio-economic development, civil society
INFLUENCE OF THE ECONOMIC FACTOR ON POLYLINGUISTIC ATTITUDES OF YOUTH
The article analyzes the influence of economic factors on the language attitudes of youth. According to the theory of P. Bourdieu, the dominance of linguistic norms and forms is viewed as a factor that exacerbates social inequality. Proficiency in different languages increases an individual's social capital and expands their economic opportunities, while language barriers restrict access to these resources. The language choice among young people is largely determined by their economic status. It is posited that income levels facilitate the learning of foreign languages, whereas, in conditions of social inequality, the ability of youth to maintain their native language is taken into account. The study examines the impact of economic factors–such as labor market requirements, educational opportunities, and income levels–on multilingualism and language choice among the younger generation. The research provides insight into how economic drivers influence language choice, language policy, and the acceptance of multilingualism in society. The author presents the results of applied research based on the focus group method. Focus groups were conducted across 12 regions (N=167). According to the results, language choice among youth depends on regional and ethno-demographic characteristics. Furthermore, the global economy and globalization trends push young people toward learning multiple languages, while disparities between urban and rural areas also affect language attitudes. While youth with high-income levels strive for multilingualism, low-income groups prioritize their native language. The findings of this study play a crucial role in forming effective state and educational language policies that can enhance the success of young people in social and professional life.
language, economics, sociolinguistics, polylinguistics, language policy, language situation, sociolinguistic position, youth, language space
THE CASE METHOD IN THE STUDY OF WOMEN’S MARRIAGE MIGRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
The article examines marital migration in interethnic marriages of women from Kazakhstan through the lens of 15 cases as a method of a qualitative research strategy. The relevance of the study is determined by the growth of interethnic marital practices in the context of globalization, the expansion of migration mobility, as well as the strengthening of contacts between representatives of different nationalities in contemporary society. The aim of the study is to identify the motivational factors influencing women’s entry into interethnic marriages, as well as to analyze their strategies of social and cultural adaptation in a new environment. The methodological framework is based on a multiple case study approach grounded in qualitative empirical data (biographical descriptions and life stories), which enables an in-depth exploration of individual life trajectories, social practices, and everyday experiences of women, with a purposive sampling principle applied to case selection and with consideration of research limitations related to a small sample size, subjectivity of interpretation, and limited generalizability of the findings. The empirical basis of the study consists of cases of interethnic marriages of Kazakhstani women with foreign citizens or representatives of other ethnic groups. The findings suggest that the key factors motivating women to enter interethnic marriages include economic opportunities, aspirations for educational and social mobility, as well as personal and value-based orientations. At the level of the examined cases, it can be identified that the adaptation process is complex in nature and includes both integration strategies (language acquisition, adoption of norms and practices of the host society) and the preservation of elements of one’s cultural identity. It is noted that the analyzed cases indicate that interethnic marriages influence not only women’s individual life strategies but also the transformation of family models, gender roles, and mechanisms of social integration in Kazakhstani society. At the same time, the study materials point to barriers related to cultural differences, language difficulties, and institutional constraints.
case method, marriage migration, international marriages, women in Kazakhstan, adaptation, social integration, motivational factors
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION OF THE POPULATION OF THE REGIONS OF THE ABAI REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS TESTS
The problem of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site remains relevant, despite its closure over thirty years ago. Studies of environmental, epidemiological, physiological and other impact factors are conducted regularly. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the socio–economic condition of the population of areas classified as areas of extreme radiation risk. In this regard, as part of this task, information was collected on the socio-economic status of the regions selected for the study using data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, local executive bodies and a survey of the population using a quantitative research method. Quantitative data assessed the levels of public satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure, medical care, and social services. As a comparison, the region that was not affected by the effects of nuclear tests was chosen – the Arshaly district of the Akmola region. The results obtained indicate a low assessment of the quality of medical services and social infrastructure in settlements from the zone of extreme radiation risk – Sarzhal, Cheryomushka, Dolon, and Bridge. At the same time, there is a relatively high degree of satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure among the population of the district centers of Beskaragai and Abai districts of the Abai region. At the same time, the majority of residents of the studied areas have low satisfaction with the quality of drinking water.
landfill, radiation risk, socio-economic conditions, satisfaction indicators, social status, morbidity rate, assessment of medical services, control region
ORGANISATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF ISLAMIC ORGANIZATIONS IN MODERN KAZAKHSTAN
This paper is based on the results of empirical research with a focus on the organizational activities and social functions of Islamic organizations in modern Kazakhstani society. The aim of the study was to identify the key characteristics and areas of activity of Islamic organizations functioning in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as to determine their role in the social, cultural and educational processes of the country. Specifically, the study examined the institutional structure of these organizations, their social involvement, degree of interaction with civil society and state structures, and the opportunities for their steady growth within the context of digitalisation and transformation of religious identity. The analysis of statistical data of the 2021 census and semi-structured expert survey with representatives of academia, clergy, and government agencies brings us to the conclusion that the interaction of Muslim organizations with state institutions in Kazakhstan is characterised by institutional ambivalence, from cooperation to competition in the religious space. The level of scholarly novelty of the paper lies in the analysis of the ways in which transnational Islamic structures interact with the state and society. The paper is theoretically significant as it exposes the part that Muslim organizations have played in Kazakhstan’s social modernisation. The practical value lies in the expert recommendations on the regulation of Islamic groups’ activity in the context of socioeconomic development and security in Kazakhstan.
Islam, Muslim organizations, confessional policy, atheism, social functions, organisational activity
FROM THE DIGITAL DIVIDE TO DIGITAL CAPITAL: THEORETICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN EXPLAINING YOUTH INEQUALITY
In the context of accelerating digitalization processes and the widespread implementation of generative artificial intelligence, the problem of digital inequality has moved beyond the issue of technical access and has become a complex structural problem of social stratification. This review article provides a systematic analysis of the theoretical evolution of the concepts of digital divide and digital capital in sociological discourse from 2000 to 2025. The main objective of the study is to deconstruct persistent myths about young people’s digital competence and to identify the mechanisms through which digital technologies reproduce social inequality. Based on an analysis of contemporary academic literature, the article traces the transition from binary technocratic models (“haves” versus “have-nots”) to the multidimensional concept of digital inequality proposed by Paul DiMaggio and Eszter Hargittai, as well as to Jan van Dijk’s theory of the three levels of the digital divide. Special attention is paid to the critique of the digital natives concept and to substantiating the heterogeneous nature of youth. The theory of digital capital developed by Massimo Ragnedda is examined as an autonomous social resource that can be converted into economic and social benefits. The findings demonstrate that by 2025, digital inequality is increasingly shifting towards the sphere of the algorithmic divide and differences in skills of interaction with artificial intelligence. Empirical evidence shows that young people with higher socio-economic status are more likely to use technologies effectively to accumulate human capital, whereas socially vulnerable groups tend to remain confined to passive patterns of digital consumption. The article concludes that overcoming the “utilitarian divide” requires a shift from infrastructure-oriented policies towards comprehensive strategies aimed at fostering critical algorithmic literacy and supporting processes of digital socialization.
digital divide, digital capital, digital inequality, youth, algorithmic divide, artificial intelligence
THE DISCOURSE OF POSTMEMORY IN THE NATIONAL MEDIA LANDSCAPE
Memory as a central element in theoretical and discursive explorations of the nation offers multiple avenues for rethinking established historical narratives. The question of how a collective past becomes embedded in contemporary identity gains particular relevance in current debates about what a nation should remember–and how. Within this context, the study of postmemory emerges as a critical framework for examining collective engagement with the past and its influence on the construction of national identity. The aim of this research is to develop an analytically grounded perspective on the mnemonic discourse of postmemory as a meaningful factor in the evolving processes of national self-identification. The methodological approach draws on contemporary theories and memory studies frameworks, including the works of Pierre Nora, Maurice Halbwachs, and Jeffrey Olick, as well as key concepts from postmemory theory (Marianne Hirsch) and translocal memory studies (Astrid Erll, Ann Rigney). These perspectives consider collective memory and postmemory as integral to mnemonic communities that shape the contours of national identity. The study employed a qualitative thematic analysis of representative media texts to identify the symbolic and semantic content of postmemory discourse. The findings demonstrate that postmemory, as a product of sociocultural communication, is expressed through diverse forms of memorial practices by its carriers. These practices reinterpret the collective past and contribute to the production of symbolic frameworks for national identity. The conclusions presented in this article may serve as a methodological foundation for future research into the dynamics of postmemory within national identity discourse, as well as inform the development of memory policies aimed at civic reintegration. This research enhances our understanding of how postmemory functions within the mnemonic discourse and plays a pivotal role in shaping national identity, while also influencing the transformation of the public memorial landscape in the national context.
postmemory, mnemonic discourse, commemorative practices
AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF ATTITUDES TOWARD GENDER ROLES AMONG STUDENTS
In today's society, gender roles and attitudes towards them play an important part in social relations. The perception of gender roles among young students holds scientific importance in the context of social transformation and the interaction between tradition and modern values. Therefore, this research article empirically analyzes the social factors that shape students' attitudes towards gender roles. This study aims to identify young students' attitudes towards gender roles and the social determinants that shape them. It also assesses how institutional influence and perceptions of gender change in society impact attitudes towards gender equality. The study analyzes young students' gender positions using structural modeling and explains the mechanisms underlying the formation of gender attitudes. We used a quantitative methodology and analyzed survey data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) from 556 students at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University. We grouped attitudes towards gender roles into four latent constructs: traditional gender roles, attitudes towards gender equality, perceptions of gender changes in society, and institutional influence. The results indicate that perceptions of societal changes in gender and institutional influence have a positive and significant effect on attitudes towards gender equality, while institutional factors particularly reinforce traditional gender roles. These findings clarify that students' gender attitudes are both complex and varied, directly shaped by societal and institutional factors.
"TRADITIONAL VALUES" FOR THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VALUES, PRACTICES OF HELPING BEHAVIOR AND IDEAS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF TWO GENERATIONS OF RUSSIANS
In the context of the changing ideological orientations of Russian politics, its interpretation by modern Russians is of interest. We focus on two generations – one has already had the experience of living through fundamental transformations in the 1990s, the second is witnessing fundamental shifts for the first time. The article presents the results of an empirical study carried out in the logic of mixed methods research, aimed at understanding the intergenerational value transformations taking place within the age cohort of today's adult citizens of Russia. The survey results (N=600), which capture values, image of the future, and practices of prosocial (helping) behavior, are compared with the interview data (N=60), which reveal the meanings that representatives of two generations put into values and practices that are significant to them. Although there are some quantitative differences from the older generation in the value profile of young people, mainly due to age factors, representatives of the younger generation also demonstrate the specificity of the meanings attached to the interpretation of a number of values. While individualistic values are more important for the younger generation, their representatives demonstrate no less, and in some cases, greater, involvement in practices of helping behavior and volunteerism. It can be assumed that it is the transformation of meanings that allows the values of personal focus (individualistic) to motivate prosocial behavior. However, the revealed narrowness of the time perspective and the low level of social optimism act as a threat to the consolidation of prosocial patterns inherent in youth.
values, generations, helping behavior, social optimism, particularism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gumilyov Journal of Sociology
MASCULINE IDENTITY OF YOUTH IN KAZAKHSTAN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF TRADITIONAL VALUES
The article examines the formation of masculine identity among young people in Kazakhstan in the context of shifting traditional values and growing global cultural influences. The study adopts a social constructionist perspective and integrates the concepts of hegemonic, inclusive, and hybrid masculinities. Drawing on a mixed-methods design that combines a questionnaire survey with thematic analysis of open-ended responses, the findings indicate that perceptions of masculinity are hybrid in nature: deeply rooted family-based socialization patterns coexist with elements reflecting contemporary cultural change. The results suggest an increasing normative legitimation of emotional openness and the acceptability of vulnerability within youth discourse. At the same time, these emerging orientations do not displace traditional ideals of “strength” and “resilience”; rather, they coexist within a hierarchically structured value system in which the latter retain symbolic centrality. This hybrid configuration aligns with the notion of a shifting normative landscape, understood as the dynamic coexistence and mutual transformation of competing normative regimes. The family continues to play a pivotal role in transmitting models of masculinity, while the digital environment functions as a space for both the deconstruction and the remobilization of gender norms. Age emerges as a significant factor shaping perceptions of change, whereas gender differences in evaluating these transformations remain minimal. Within this study, urbanization operates as an important mediating factor in the ongoing reconfiguration of gender attitudes.
masculinity, gender, socialization, hybrid identity, Kazakhstan, youth
ӘЛЕУМЕТТАНУ АБЫЗЫНЫҢ ӨСИЕТІ:Н.А. АИТОВТЫҢ 100 ЖЫЛДЫҒЫНА ОРАЙ
Биыл әлеуметтік ғылымдар саласының көрнекті өкілі, әлеуметтік құрылым және әлеуметтік жобалау мен жоспарлау, өндіріс және қала әлеуметтануының отандық мектебінің негізін қалаушылардың бірі – философия ғылымдарының докторы, профессор Нариман Абдрахманович Аитовтың туғанына 100 жыл толып отыр. Н.Аитов есімі ғылыми ортада қатаң эмпириялық зерттеулермен, нақты деректерге негізделген талдауларымен танымал. Алайда, ғалымның мұрасында оның дүниетанымдық көзқарасының эволюциясын көрсететін ерекше бір еңбек бар. Ол – 1996 жылы Алматыда жарық көрген «Моя социальная философия» (Менің әлеуметтік философиям) еңбегі. Ғұмырының басым бөлігін маркстік әлеуметтануға арнаған ғалымның зияткерлік тәубесі әрі ғылыми өсиеті іспетті осы еңбек – 90-жылдардың басындағы геосаяси дүмпулер, КСРО-ның ыдырауы тұсында Н.Аитовтың бұрынғы догмаларды қайта зерделегенінің айғағы. Назарларыңызға алғаш рет қазақ тілінде ұсынылып отырған монографияның «Алғысөзінде» Н.А. Аитов марксизмнен неге бас тартқанын, бірақ оны неліктен толық жоққа шығармайтынын түсіндіреді. Ол марксизмнің ХІХ ғасырдағы капитализмді түсіндірудегі қауқарын мойындай отырып, оның қазіргі «постиндустриялық қоғам» мен тарихи «өтпелі кезеңдерді» түсіндірудегі дәрменсіздігін ашық айтады. Аитовтың бұл мәтіні бүгінгі қазақстандық әлеуметтанушылар үшін несімен құнды? ⦁ Сыни ойлау үлгісі: Автор өзінің бұрынғы ұстанымдарынан бас тартудан қорықпайды. Ол марксизмді «Прокруст алаңына» (құбылыстың мәніне сай келмейтін жасанды өлшем) теңей отырып, ғылыми шындық бәрінен жоғары екенін көрсетеді. ⦁ Постмодерн салдарын маркстік талдау нәтижесіндегі сыңаржақтылық марксизмді қайта зерделеудің қажеттілігін тудырады. ⦁ Жаңа теория ізденісі: Мәтін соңында ол жас ғалымдарды ескі қалыптан шығып, қоғамдық дамудың неғұрлым әмбебап теориясын жасауға шақырады. Н.А. Аитовтың 100 жылдық мерейтойына орай, оның ғылыми мұрасын жаңғырту және қазақ тілді оқырманға жеткізу мақсатында төмендегі аударманы ұсынып отырмыз.
SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN POVERTY MIGRATING FROM RURAL TO URBAN AREAS
Migration from rural areas to cities has been increasing year by year. Many families migrating from rural areas to cities live in poverty and remain in it after relocation. Despite this, the country lacks social policies to support such families. The aim of the research is to identify the problems faced by poor families migrating from rural areas to urban settings and how they overcome them. Thirteen families participated in in-depth interviews (8 nuclear families and 5 extended families, of which 3 were single-parent families). According to the study’s findings, poor families that have moved from rural areas to cities rely on informal networks (relatives, friends, employers, landlords, acquaintances) for social support and assistance. At the same time, they avoid seeking help from formal sources of support. The main reasons are lack of information and distrust. The experience of migrant families facing stigmatization by local residents in urban settings has also been clarified. It has been proven that the overwhelming majority of these families live in conditions of domestic discomfort and instability due to financial difficulties. For successful integration and social support for migrant families, a social policy of support is needed.
rural-urban migration, poor migrant families, social support.
THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES OF PLATFORM EMPLOYMENT
Platform employment, understood as work performed through digital online platforms, is increasingly recognized as a new and modern form of labor that facilitates interaction between service providers and clients. This article is devoted to the theoretical and methodological examination of the phenomenon of platform employment. It explores the development of platform employment as a component of the gig economy and discusses various theoretical approaches to its conceptualization and interpretation. Particular attention is paid to the place of platform employment within existing typologies of work and to the challenges it poses to traditional understandings of employment. The article also summarizes the findings of contemporary scholarly debates on platform employment. It analyzes the main research discourses related to different forms of work on digital platforms, including the legal status of workers, self-employment versus wage employment, labor rights, and the social protection of platform workers, as well as the specific features of platform work regulation across different countries. The conclusions are based on a narrative literature review and the analysis of research reports. The final section presents general conclusions regarding the current state of platform employment research and identifies existing gaps and promising directions for future studies.
platform employment, gig economy, precariat, digital labour platforms, social protection, labour rights
EVERYDAY ETHNICITY IN ASTANA: FAMILY STRATEGIES, RELIGION, AND MEMORY AMONG INGUSH, TATARS, AND DUNGANS
This article examines how ethnicity is constructed and maintained within Astana’s urban environment among Ingush, Tatar, and Dungan communities. The theoretical framework combines J. Berry’s acculturation model, F. Barth’s “ethnic boundaries” approach, and the concept of everyday religiosity, complemented by a historical-contextual analysis of colonial governance of Islam, deportations, and the Virgin Lands campaign. The study demonstrates that marital practices and post-marital residence patterns remain key mechanisms of boundary maintenance: among the Ingush, endogamy and patrilocality are normative (with urban variation); among the Tatars, nuclear autonomy prevails alongside high tolerance for mixed marriages; among the Dungans, a shift is observed from compact endogamy toward greater openness, while maintaining a religious criterion in marriage. Economic niches are correlated with family strategies and networks of mutual assistance: construction and entrepreneurship are typical for the Ingush; the Tatars combine public-sector employment with trade and services; the Dungans display a dual model linking Zhambyl (agriculture) and Astana (services and catering). Religion, language, and cuisine act as stable markers of belonging, while urban institutions–such as ethnocultural centers and sites of memory–connect groups without dissolving their boundaries. The study concludes that integrative configurations dominate, though local pockets of separation persist, with practical implications for urban policy.
Astana, everyday ethnicity, acculturation, ethnic boundaries, religion, marital practices, memory.
SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION OF FAMILY AND MARRIAGE RELATIONS IN KAZAKHSTANI SOCIETY AT THE PRESENT STAGE
In modern Kazakhstani society, the institutional structure of marriage and family is undergoing a profound transformation influenced by a wide range of factors – from economic and social changes to cultural globalization and digitalization. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the key trends characterizing the current state and dynamics of family and marriage relations in Kazakhstan. The study highlights changes in the structure and functions of the family, including the increase in civil and late marriages, higher divorce rates, declining birth rates, and the transformation of reproductive behavior. Special attention is given to the evolution of gender roles within the family and society, the rethinking of traditional models of responsibility distribution between spouses, as well as the impact of urbanization and modernization on the family values of youth. The article analyzes socio-cultural shifts in the perception of the institution of marriage, including the weakening of traditional patriarchal norms and the strengthening of individualistic values. The research uses data from sociological surveys, official statistics and provides a comparative analysis of modern and traditional family models in Kazakhstan within the context of global demographic trends. This study aims to identify the factors of resilience and vulnerability of the Kazakhstani family and to forecast possible scenarios for its future development, taking into account national characteristics and global transformations. The findings are of interest to sociologists, demographers, psychologists, specialists in family policy, as well as to government bodies involved in developing and implementing family support measures.
FEATURES OF SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATION IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
The article is devoted to the study of scientific and theoretical aspects of social services organization. This article presents a methodology for researching the social services organization as a technology of social work based on the application of “Тheory of Dynamic Information Systems” methodology developed by Professor V. I. Razumov. The use of the “Тheory of Dynamic Information Systems” methodology made it possible to present the social service system, define its categorical apparatus, build triads of dynamic information systems in the area of social services, systematize the components of social service in a certain hierarchy, and develop the conceptual scheme “Social service as a social work technology”. Also, the article examines the approaches to the “social service” concept definition, functions, principles, forms, types, and directions of social services. Based on the analysis of scientific literature and regulatory documents, the current materials are presented that reveal the features of social policy in the field of organizing social services; and there was taken into consideration the scientific and theoretical foundations, substantive and technological features of social services in the conditions of modern society development. The most important directions and characteristics of social service as a social institution, its formation and development in contemporary social work practice with various categories of the population are systematized in the article.
Social work, social service, social protection of the population, hardship, social policy, social service, principle of social service.
THE PLACE OF SPORT IN THE VALUE DIMENSION OF YOUTH
In contemporary society, the transformation of social behavior and life priorities among young people has become a relevant object of scientific inquiry. This article presents a comprehensive sociological analysis of the role of sports and physical culture in the value system of Kazakhstani youth aged 18–25. The study examines the socio-structural, cultural, and motivational determinants of the gap between the declarative support for sports and the actual physical activity of young people. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach: a secondary analysis of data from the Youth Research Center (2023) was carried out, along with in-depth interviews with urban residents of Almaty and Astana (n=15). The findings revealed that, although the majority of urban respondents recognize sports as an important life value, the proportion of those who exercise regularly is significantly lower than their stated positions. Qualitative analysis identified time scarcity, economic inaccessibility, digital passivity, and psychological pressure from the media industry as dominant factors preventing intentions from translating into actual behavior. The scientific significance of the study lies in substantiating the intention-behavior gap phenomenon using domestic data, as well as in applying an integrative analytical framework that combines the concepts of symbolic capital, the theory of planned behavior, and digital habitus.
youth, sports, digital passivity, digital habitus, intention-behavior gap, healthy lifestyle, gender motivation
SOCIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF URBAN VAGRANCY: THE CASE OF ASTANA
This article examines vagrancy as one of the pressing social issues of our time, affecting both domestic and global communities, and considers the sociological aspects of vagrancy in urban environments. In the context of rapid urbanization and city growth, such as in Astana, the problem of vagrancy assumes a pronounced socio-political character. The research aims to study the sociological aspects of vagrancy in urban environments using Astana as an example, as well as to identify the causes and factors contributing to marginalization and homelessness and analyze the social consequences of this phenomenon. Vagrancy as a social phenomenon is examined through the lens of structural functionalism, conflict theory, and psychological theories. It is also noted that vagrancy in the urban environment increases social tension and causes damage to urban infrastructure. Based on analysis of data collected through surveys with marginalized groups, it was established that key factors contributing to vagrancy include economic crises, social instability, family conflicts, mental disorders, and substance dependency. It was identified that most respondents are of working age but encounter obstacles, including a lack of documentation, health problems, and low qualifications.
Vagrancy, homelessness, individuals of no fixed address, marginalization, migration, urbanization, social instability, structural functionalism, economic strain
YOUTH SPORTS AS AN AGENT OF SOCIALIZATION IN A MODERN KAZAKHSTAN SOCIETY
Sport is one of the most important agents of socialization of modern youth, as well as an effective means of physical development, health promotion, communication, and the result of people's activity. The purpose of the article is to define teenage sports as one of the socialization institutions, and also to identify the factors of influence of sports on youth. The leading role of the sports environment in the process of socialization of adolescents through sports is considered, as well as its importance in the physical culture and sports education of young people. According to the results of the sociological research conducted, sport is the main manifestation of a healthy lifestyle for young people. Through sports, a young generation educates and perceives it as a means of socialization, based on discipline, reflecting in forming a certain system of norms and values. It was revealed that sports have a positive impact on the formation of his personal culture. Along with these positive factors, negative factors of sports were also identified, such as academic failure, high risk of injury. The results show that although participation in sports provides numerous benefits, it is necessary to eliminate significant negative aspects to ensure a balanced approach to adolescent participation in sports. It was also established that the presence of stress in the educational process, and insufficient development of sports infrastructure at the required level are the main obstacles leading to a decrease in the interest of young people in sports and their physical activity. The study of this problem will be useful for the further development and improvement of state policy aimed at increasing the physical activity of young people.
STUDY OF THE PROBLEM OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN
As a social state, Kazakhstan has implemented a range of active measures in the field of social protection for persons with disabilities or limited capabilities, in accordance with international standards. This article demonstrates that the analysis of disability issues in Kazakhstan requires an integrated approach, taking into account sociological, psychological, socio-cultural, and legal models, as well as the perspective of cultural pluralism. It is noted that the evolution of models-from the medical model previously used by the World Health Organization, to the social model, and subsequently to the modern social-environmental model (inclusion model), has significantly influenced the development of this field in Kazakhstan. The article also examines the scientific foundations of the approach adopted by Kazakhstani society in addressing disability-related challenges, its practical outcomes, and the current scientific-methodological and methodological aspects of resolving accumulated issues in this domain. By analyzing the academic work of domestic and international researchers studying the organization of inclusive education in the context of digitalization, the author emphasizes the importance of exploring not only the socio-economic, medical-demographic, and environmental factors influencing disability, but also how persons with disabilities are perceived by society, along with the particularities of their daily lives and spiritual world.
GENDER ANALYSIS OF MIGRANT WOMEN'S VULNERABILITIES: PATHWAYS TO EMPOWERMENT
The article presents the results of Phase I of the project, organized with the support of the International Organization for Migration in Kazakhstan and Central Asia and financial support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July-August 2024. The article addresses current problems faced by migrant women in the Turkestan region, manifestations of gender discrimination in the context of migration. It underscores the urgent need to adjust and create gender-sensitive strategies of the host state to expand their rights and opportunities for migrant women. To ensure the principle of triangulation – ensuring a comprehensive, multifaceted analysis and reliability of the research outcomes - the study used a mixed-methods of sociological approach. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis techniques: surveys of migrant women and expert interviews of specialists in the field of migration. The comprehensive study engaged diverse stakeholders: employees of government and law enforcement officials, media representatives, and community leaders. The results of the initial stage of the project research provide a detailed understanding of the social status of migrant women, highlighting various types of gender discrimination. Moreover, the findings contribute to the formation of specific strategies for expanding opportunities and rights of migrant women within the host states.
THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF STUDYING THE ROLE OF NEW MEDIA IN THE DYNAMICS OF SOCIAL CONFLICTS
Digital platforms have changed the way public opinion is formed and influenced. In the context of Kazakhstan, where the society is diverse in terms of ethnical, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Mass media have become not only a tool for information exchange but a powerful factor impacting the conflict potential as well. This article is devoted to analyzing theoretical methods of the phenomenon of conflict and media as a tool in the context of social conflicts. The research methodology involves literature analysis, the method of systematic review, and comparative analysis. Moreover, as part of the research, a content analysis of academic journals/publications was conducted, which enabled the examination of Kazakhstan’s specific approach in covering the social conflict. According to the analysis, the evolution of conflict theories has demonstrated the necessity to revise these approaches in light of the development of information technologies. The research results revealed the need for further development of both the theoretical and empirical foundations in the field of social conflict studies and its informational component within the Kazakhstani public scientific discourse. The development of research in this area could significantly enrich the understanding of the dynamics of conflict mechanisms, providing new approaches for managing them and preventing negative consequences.
MAHALLA TRANSFORMATION: FROM A TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY TO A SOCIAL INSTITUTION
This article is devoted to the study of the mahalla, which has historically been an important element of social organization in Central Asia and has undergone significant changes. Initially, the mahalla functioned as a traditional community based on kinship, shared values, and mutual assistance. However, over time, it has evolved into a key social institution integrated into the public administration system of modern Uzbekistan. This transformation process was driven by economic, demographic, political, and technological changes that redefined the role and functions of the mahalla in society. One of the key aspects of the mahalla's transformation is its institutionalization in the public administration system. In the past, the mahalla was an informal association where elders played an important role in maintaining order, resolving conflicts, and providing social support. However, after Uzbekistan gained independence, the mahalla became an officially recognized administrative unit responsible for local self-government, the distribution of social assistance, and the strengthening of social cohesion. This process has strengthened its role as a link between the State and the population, allowing for more effective implementation of public policy at the local level. Economic changes have also had an impact on the transformation of the mahalla. The transition from a centralized Soviet economy to a market model led to changes in employment patterns, migration processes, and urbanization. These factors have changed the demographic composition of mahalla communities, as internal and international labor migration has led to the transformation of traditional family structures. Mahallas have expanded their social support mechanisms, especially for vulnerable groups of the population.