Migration situation in the Russian Arctic (on the example of the Murmansk region)

Abstract

International studies show a declining population in the Arctic. The main contribution to the negative dynamics of migration loss belongs to the Russian Federation. The article presents the results of our study of the migration situation in the Murmansk region, which is part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The statistical analysis of the migration movement demonstrates active migration processes in the region. However, despite the increased rates of arrival in the region, the negative dynamics of population decline due to migration loss persists, when the number of people who drop out prevails over the number of arrivals. These data are indicators of a weak settled population in the Murmansk region and social unattractiveness of the region. We also supplemented the statistical analysis of the migration situation with the results of a sociological study of migration behavior, migration attitudes and migration motives of the residents of the Murmansk region. We found that 16% of respondents showed a positive migration attitude, 52% of respondents showed a negative migration attitude, and the share of “potential migrants” was 26%. The key reasons for migration from the North are unfavorable climatic conditions and the unfavorable socio-economic situation in the region. The social portrait of respondents with a positive migration attitude is described by the following socio-demographic variables. Gender - mostly female. Age - from 16 to 66 years (average value was 35 years). The level of education - secondary vocational (or specialized secondary) - 37%, and higher education - 26%. Duration of residence in the Murmansk region - from birth or almost all his life - 71%. Unemployed and employed - demonstrated a positive migration attitude equally. The motivational factors that constrain migration are own housing, employment, job satisfaction, wages and social guarantees, family-related and regional (arctic) identity.

University Youth’ Leisure Practices

“…However, it is alarming that even among those who are satisfied with the leisure environment of the town, many young people want to go to another region of Russia (38 %) and even to another country (17%). We have already described the negative dynamics of the migration situation in the Murmansk region in another article (Popova & Vicentiy, 2019). In this case, we found another one confirmation.…”

Social Consequences of the Modern Pension Reform in Russia for the Arctic Region - Murmansk Region

“…Many scientific papers have been devoted to Arctic social and economic development issues using the example of Murmansk region as an example, and a small part of them is related to the social component [e.g., [15][16][17]. The studies on social development of the regions of the Russian Arctic in the light of pension reform are unique, which updates our research.…”