Abramov A.P. Intercultural interactions with children of migrants in the assessments of Moscow schoolchildren. Knowledge. Understanding. Skill. 2026. No. 2. Pp. 149-159. DOI: 10.17805 ...

Abstract

The Moscow metropolis has become an attractive destination for representatives of many nations from the post-Soviet space, especially from Central Asia. The increased migration flows in recent years have raised concerns about the socialization, adaptation, and integration of these individuals into the host community, both as adults and their children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the sociocultural perspective of their Russian peers on this process. The purpose of this study is to characterize and interpret the opinions of Moscow schoolchildren regarding their intercultural interactions with migrant children. The analysis is based on the sociocultural methodology of childhood sociology, which is based on interdisciplinary approaches from sociology, cultural studies, pedagogy, psychology, and demography. The rationale for the findings and conclusions is based on semi-structured interviews with Moscow schoolchildren who study alongside migrant children. These interviews revealed difficulties in interpersonal interactions between migrant children and their Russian peers. At the same time, the majority of Moscow schoolchildren are understanding and quite friendly toward their migrant classmates, willing to help them, and personally participate in their socialization. The opinions of children and adolescents in the Moscow metropolitan area about their migrant peers can become a resource for the development and implementation of adaptation programs in the everyday socialization practices of teaching and raising children with a migration history.