Abstract

The information revolution, transparency and availability of information, globalization of economies and technological changes have largely determined the structure and style of urban life. The issue of identity transformation in cities is particularly relevant. Birth rates are traditionally lower in cities than in rural areas, however cities have always attracted immigrants who contribute to population growth and the growth of the cities themselves. Big cities attract internal and external migrants by the breadth of opportunities they offer because they concentrate resources and life opportunities proliferate. In a city, the behaviour of individuals is regulated much more than it might seem to an outside observer or even to its inhabitants. Therefore, having arrived in a city, migrants inevitably undergo a transformation of their identity associated with the process of adapting to a new socio-cultural environment. The way migrants adapt and the transformation of their identity in Moscow metropolitan area is an issue of this study. An effective urban planning system should be based on four main priorities: improve the quality of life of the indigenous population, cultural identity of the region, the ecological balance of natural and manmade elements and the stability of the region’s economy. However, migrant behaviour focused on being faithful to the core of the former socio-cultural community does not allow the city residents to form a single socio-cultural identity. This destabilizes various spheres of urban life and reduces the quality of life of the indigenous population.

Keywords:

City, communication, cultural adaptation, integration, socio-cultural community, urban sociology,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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Copyright

The authors have no competing interests.