Sabiedriskās politikas centrs

Challenges of integration: case of Latvia(Presentation by Iveta Kazoka, Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS for expert seminar on integration in the Baltic Sea countries, Feb 25, 2013, Tallinn)

Relevant statistics (1)

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1.Where the people of Latvia have been born (2011 vs 2000)?

In 2011 – 85.4% Latvia, 7.7% Russia

Data and charts: 2011 census data http://www.csb.gov.lv

Relevant statistics (2)

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2.Citizenship/nationality (2011 vs 2000)?

In 2011 – 83.5% Latvian citizens, 14.2% Latvian non-citizens; 2.3% other country nationals

Data and charts: 2011 census data http://www.csb.gov.lv

Relevant statistics (3)

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3. Ethnic origin(2011 vs 2000)?

In 2011 – 62.1% Latvians, 26.9% Russians

Data and charts: 2011 census data http://www.csb.gov.lv

Relevant statistics (4)

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4. Language usage at home?

Data : 2011 census data http://www.csb.gov.lv

62.1% - Latvian; 37.2% - Russian; 0.7% - other languages

Based on these data, is the need for integration related policy

obvious?

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How much do you feel you have in common with:

Data and chart: SKDS opinion survey, 2012 http://www.skds.lv/doc/Nacionalo_ideju_popularitate_sabiedriba_072012_LV.pdf

No deep-rooted tensions, but several contentious issues

Attitudes towards history; Non-citizens – status and rights; Language issues (usage of Russian

language in education, in official communication, in public services);

Attitudes towards Russia; Political representation.

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Integration policy 1

Since 1990’s: attempts to define the aims of such a policy. Principal challenges: Should one focus on finding solution to

contentious issues or find some other way to consolidate society?

Deep confusion on the categories of ethnic/national. “Latvian” – citizenship? Ethnic origin? Linguistic category? Self-identification? Attitudes towards history?

Integration: one way or two way process?

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Integration policy 2 2011. Guidelines of National Identity and Society Integration

for 2012-2018 .

Proclaims: 1) Latvians to be a state nation (which defines Latvian cultural identity); 2) There are ethnic minorities with deep roots in Latvia (but prior to 1940) and whose rights should be protected; 3) People (and their descendants) who came to Latvia during Soviet occupation should be considered immigrants; 4) Being a “Latvian” is an open category – anyone can assimilate to being a Latvian if he/she accepts Latvian culture.

Main focus on: 1) Teaching Latvian language; 2) Expanding the usage of Latvian language; 3) Creation of common “social memory”

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Integration policy 3

Guidelines turned out to be deeply contested!

Main objections towards guidelines:1. Cultural identity, not civic values as the basis of integration;2. People born in Latvia perceived as immigrants;3. They’ve been given just one legitimate option: to assimilate

with Latvian cultural identity; 4. Perception of integration as a one-way process where

Latvians should continue being as they are, why the others should make effort to integrate.

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Any paradigmatic changes? (1)

Deply traumatic referendum on introduction of two state languages in the beginning of 2012.

But ... in part due to the referendum there are four silver linings! Four new trends in public discourse on integration:

1) less beligerence and self-righteousness (president; Ministry of Education; politicians);

2) focus on things everyone can do in common regardless of their differences - common events, civic participation as a unifying activity;

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Any paradigmatic changes? (2)

3) Conceptual shift from the neccessity to “integrate Russian

speakers” to the neccessity of creating a “consolidated society” – which requires input from everyone.

4) Reconceptualization of identities. What does it mean to be a Latvian (44% percent of Latvian inhabitants still perceive it as a “blood”-related category: you cannot be a Latvian if you haven’t been born to ethnic Latvian parents)? Can there be a black-skinned Latvian?

A noticable move away from ethnicity-based identities to identities defined by citizenship. Symptomatic struggle over

inscription of one’s ethnic origin in passports.

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