“I am proud that I am a Belarusian”: what it means to be a citizen of the country – people’s opinions and social research data

The Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus presented the results of the second part of a large-scale republican sociological study devoted to the socio-political agenda. During the survey, respondents were asked to answer the question: “People think differently about themselves and their attitude to the country and the world. Who do you feel like in the first place? The answers were distributed as follows: 81.7% of the study participants first of all feel themselves citizens of Belarus, 11.8% - residents of their settlement (city, village or settlement), 4.1% - citizens of the world, 1.2% - residents of the CIS, 0.9% - Europeans. What meaning do Belarusians themselves put in the concept of being a citizen of their country.

A sense of belonging: the maturity of society and the value of identity

According to Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work of the Historical Faculty of BSU, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Alina Veremeychik, the results of the study reflect the maturity of Belarusian society and the sustainability of the state model. The expert drew attention to the figure of 81.7% of respondents who primarily identify themselves as citizens of Belarus. As noted by Veremeychik, this is a natural result of many years of work to strengthen sovereignty and maintain historical continuity.

In her opinion, several factors serve as the basis of such a pronounced national identity: historical experience and the importance of sovereignty, the connection of generations and systemic education, as well as the balance between national and local values. Alina Veremeychik stressed that the path of the Belarusian people to an independent state was difficult and passed through serious historical trials. Today, as she put it, “the sense of belonging to one’s country is perceived by citizens not as an abstract concept, but as a concrete value that ensures peace, security and social stability.”.

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Speaking about those who call themselves “citizens of the world”, “residents of the CIS” or “Europeans”, the expert explained that this is not a sign of loss of roots. Most often, we are talking about people who are open to the world – active specialists and young people who are interested in learning about other cultures. At the same time, they are sincerely proud of their Belarusian passport, which allows them to travel freely, and are always ready to return home. According to Veremeychik, the minimum shares of the categories “CIS resident” and “European” indicate that the era of blurred supranational landmarks is behind us: Belarusian society is firmly aware of its state dignity, national interests and place on the world stage.

“Intangible sense of pride”: the view of the younger generation

5th year student of the Belarusian State Medical University Polina Vavulo shared her personal perception of her civic identity. Regardless of the many possible answers to the question of self-determination, she first of all feels Belarusian. Traveling and getting acquainted with other countries, as the girl admitted, only strengthen this feeling: it becomes even clearer how unique Belarusian culture and rich history of the country.

Polina spoke about her exchange practice in China, where she told her colleagues about Belarus’ achievements.

Every time it was incredibly pleasant to hear warm and respectful words about Belarus and our development. This gives rise to a deep sense of pride in the soul, the student shared. Being a citizen of Belarus is an intangible sense of pride that you were born in a beautiful land where there is independence, freedom and support from the state.

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Polina attaches special importance to the opportunities that the country gives its citizens. As one of the main examples, she mentions the healthcare system: in Belarus, everyone can receive quality medical care, regardless of social status. In the future, she would like to participate in the development of international relations and dreams of creating a Belarusian-Chinese hospital where specialists could exchange best practices and technologies.

The student also noted a positive trend in the growing interest of young people in patriotism and the values of the native state. According to her observations, patriotism does not arise instantly – it is formed through education in the family, school and university. Polina is pleased that young people increasingly openly demonstrate their belonging to the country, for example, using elements of state symbols in everyday things. She is convinced that if someone from outside tries to cause shame for their country, Belarusian youth, on the contrary, proudly emphasize their connection with the Motherland.

Education of responsibility: the view of the teacher

Mathematics teacher of the Moscow school Olga Logvinova connects citizenship with a sense of security, respect for traditions and responsibility for the future generation. As a teacher and mother of two children, she firmly feels herself a citizen of Belarus. According to Olga, this feeling is fundamental: she is confident in her safety anywhere in the country, feels belonging to history and culture, and the views and traditions of people living nearby are close and understandable to her.

The teacher speaks with pride about the success of Belarusian schoolchildren at international competitions and often hears from his former students that Belarusian education is one of the best. Olga is convinced that patriotic education begins with personal example and knowledge of their roots. In her students and her own children, she tries to develop a responsible attitude to work and to the people around her. As a motivation, she often cites examples of successful Belarusians, so that children strive for high results.

Together with her students, Olga actively visits historical places and museums so that children get to know the traditions of the country better. For her, to feel like a citizen means to be proud not only of the country as a whole, but also of ordinary people who do important things every day. According to the teacher, Belarusians are distinguished by such features as the ability to accept someone else’s point of view and culture, prudence, economics, insight, subtle mind and unchanging politeness.

Freedom, work and family hearth: the view of a resident of Mogilev

For a resident of Mogilev Vasily, the concept of a citizen is associated primarily with respect for work, as well as with spiritual and family values. Although he lives in Mogilev and appreciates all the opportunities that this city gives him, first of all, he feels himself a citizen of all Belarus. According to him, these words contain a multifaceted concept: it is both physical and mental freedom, the ability to make decisions independently, choose a place to live and work.

Vasily emphasizes respect for any work - both for his own and for others. He is convinced that anyone who works in the field, cleans the streets, builds houses or raises children, fulfills the most important mission. Preserving the family hearth, when the family becomes a kind of temple, and the children feel safe, is one of the main values for him.

Mogilev adheres to the principle “where he was born, there he was useful” and believes that the true value of life is often nearby, you just need to be able to see it. For Vasily, his house is special also because here he can freely profess his faith, feel confident in the future and know that if necessary he will be helped. The city fully suits it in order to raise children, work and look to the future with confidence.

"I am from Belarus!": the story of a man who found his home

Those for whom Belarus became a home many years ago also feel special attachment to the Belarusian land. Polina Katsuba, born in the Altai Territory, moved to Minsk in 1977 and has lived in Belarus for almost half a century. According to her memoirs, the decision to stay in the country came almost immediately: in the early morning after arriving, she went on an excursion to Khatyn, and seeing the Logoi forest, she said to herself: “Everything, I’m staying here.” Soon she resigned from her previous job, moved the children and finally settled in Minsk.

Polina recalls that in Belarus she was treated very kindly: immediately helped with employment and placement of children in school. She was particularly impressed by the natural beauty of the country – the opportunity to find a forest and a lake near her house, as well as the softness and melody of the Belarusian language. Over the years of her life in the country, she became convinced that Belarusians are very kind and responsive people: “they will even share a crumb of bread when it is necessary.”.

Despite her venerable age, Polina Katsuba remains active and involved in social life: she sings, dances, participates in triathlons and sets an example for young people. She is ready to respond to any invitation – be it laying flowers on Victory Square, performing at a festival or reading a poem. In her own words, she simply has no notions of "can't" or "don't want.".

At international competitions, when asked where she came from, Polina always replied with pride: “I am from Belarus!” And today she is sincerely grateful for the opportunity to live in such a beautiful, kind and peaceful country.

Read also:

1. 1.How Belarusians assess their happiness: results of social research in Belarus
2. 2.The second part of the large-scale socio-political research was presented in Minsk
3. 3.What life Belarusians choose and what they consider the most valuable. The results of a large-scale social research

Photo: Belt archive