Group identity of the Molokans of Moscow and the Kryashens of Kazan: experience of comparative analysis (based on feld reasearch)

Abstract

The article compares group identities of communities of the Molokans of Moscow and the Kryashens of Kazan. I use R. Jenkins’ ideas on sufcient conditions for the formation of a group, E. Erikson’s description and definition of identity together with the concept of “textual communities” by B. Stock as a type of groups to understand the specifcity of group self-identifcation of Molokans of Moscow and Kryashens of Kazan communities. Drawing upon a thematic analysis of feld research data (interviews with members of Molokans of Moscow and Kryashens of Kazan), I make it clear that their identities can be characterized as the identities of textual communities (which is indicated by the presence of life-defning texts and attentive attitudes to them). Besides that, results of the research showed other features, expressed by the communities’ members during their self-description. There are similarities between the communities among them: perception of texts defning the communities’ lifestyles; early religious involvement since childhood and via families; attending church/religious assemblies; pronounced religious tolerance. There are also differences: choosing the role of a family member as a key social role for an individual is typical among the Kryashens while fnding a universal key social role among the Molokans is hardly possible. There are specifc elements too: a deeper interest to religion appears in later periods of life among the Molokans; the role of church and ethnicness is more important among the Kryashens.