Sense of Belonging to Latvia in Latvian- and Russian-Speaking Residents of Latvia
Sense of Belonging to Latvia in Latvian- and Russian-Speaking Residents of Latvia

Summary/Abstract: This study examined the sense of belonging to Latvia in Latvian-speaking and Russianspeakingresidents of Latvia. The structural model involved opportunities for thefulfillment of personal goals and views of the situation in Latvia and the community aspredictors of the sense of belonging at both levels of ecological systems. The Russianspeakingsubsample consisted of 202 students ranging in age from 18 to 36 (65% females).The Latvian-speaking subsample involved 438 students ranging in age from 18 to 37(67% females). The Sense of Belonging in Social Context Questionnaire and the Futureof Country Questionnaire were applied. Belonging to community predicted belongingto Latvia in both groups of residents. However, the Russian-speaking minority groupdemonstrated more signs of local belonging and pragmatic ties with Latvia. Providingopportunities for fulfilment of personal goals and facilitating involvement of young peoplein processes at the country level are challenges for policies, aimed at integration andlimiting emigration of young people.

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