Growing Up in the North Caucasus

Society, Family, Religion and Education

Irina Molodikova, Alan Watt

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Year: 2014
• Print ISBN: 9780415685924
• eBook ISBN: 9781317931904
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Ethnic Studies
• Index: Social Sciences

Investigating changes in upbringing in the North Caucasus, a region notorious for violent conflict, this book explores the lives of the generation born after the dissolution of the USSR who grew up under conditions of turmoil and rapid social change. It avoids the 'traditional' presentation of the North Caucasus as a locus of violence, and instead presents the life of people in the region through the lens of the young generation growing up there.

Using focus groups with teachers and students of different ethnic groups, as well as surveys and essays written by children, the book suggests that while the legacy of conflict plays a role in many children's lives, it is by no means the only factor in their upbringing. It explores how conflict has influenced upbringing, and goes on to consider factors such as the revival of religion, the impact of social and economic upheaval, and the shifting balance between school and parents. As well as revealing the dynamic influences on children's upbringing in the region, the book presents recommendations on how to address some of the challenges that arise. The role of government in education is also evaluated, and prospects for the future are considered. The book is useful for students and scholars of Education, Sociology and Central Asian Studies.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Central Asian Studies Series
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• List of illustrations
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• List of abbreviations
• Introduction
• 1 Education policy in the North Caucasus from the Russian Empire to the post-Soviet period
• 2 The human dimension of education quality: children at risk in the North Caucasus
• 3 Religious education and upbringing in the post-Soviet North Caucasus
• 4 Upbringing within the family: patriarchy and hesitant modernization
• 5 The role of customs and tradition in upbringing
• 6 Ethnic and gender identities in the North Caucasus
• 7 Future prospects: youth aspirations and government actions
• Conclusion
• Appendix table 1
• Appendix table 2
• Bibliography
• Index