How Do Kazakhstani Tajik Women Form and Reproduce Ethnic Identity When Raising Children?

Abstract

Comprehension of the role of women of ethnic communities in shaping the life orientation, identity and everyday life of the younger generation is of great practical importance for the socio-cultural development of Kazakhstan. Women of ethnic groups play an important role in preserving the cultural heritage and identity of their people. The purpose of this article is to analyze the research of the question “How Do Kazakh Tajik Women Form And Reproduce Ethnic Identity When Raising Children?” The author considers the processes of formation and reproduction of ethnic identity as a directed process in the daily life of Tajik women in the upbringing of children. Tajik women play a key role in passing on the traditions, language, and culture of their people to their children. They are the first teachers of children and form their ideas about the world, values and norms of behavior. The article presents the results of a field study of two qualitative methods: narrative in-depth interview and observation. The object of the study were women of the Tajik community of the Turkestan region and the city of Shymkent, who have experience raising children over the age of 18.