The Mosaic of Contemporary Rural Life in Kalmykia: a Summary of 2019 Qualitative Surveys

Abstract

The article analyzes the materials of observations made in May–June 2019 during a scientific trip to seven districts of the republic, namely: Iki-Burulsky, Ketchenerovsky, Priyutnensky, Sarpinsky, Tselinny, Yustinsky, and Yashaltinsky ones. The researchers interviewed dwellers of 30 rural settlements differing in climatic conditions, statuses, sizes (district centers, small villages), and certain social problems examined in the article. The sociological research conducted by specialists of Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS was assigned by government. Goals. The paper seeks to introduce results of the qualitative sociological surveys (observation, in-depth interviewing) into scientific circulation. Results. The article analyzes materials of observations, interviews, and shows the actual changes in villages and villagers of Kalmykia. The material resources of rural residents are assessed visually. The higher the income, the better the living conditions, households, and technical equipment of a family. Many social problems (water supply, unemployment, material security of educational and cultural institutions, etc.) of villages have not been solved, which aggravates the situation of villagers, increases their migration activities.