Tradition as cultural capital and its role in the formation of youth cultural identities

Introduction . The article is devoted to examining the practices involved in shaping the cultural identity of university students. Aim . This study aims to identify tradition as a form of cultural capital and as a factor in the formation of young people’s cultural identity. Methodology and research methods . An analysis of the literature, a secondary analysis of sociological research findings on the value orientations of Russian youth, and the results of conducted focus groups led to the conclusion that students associate cultural identity with traditions that have historically developed across various spheres of life. Eighty per cent of focus group participants defined tradition as a cultural code, whereas the students’ stance was ambivalent and syncretic. Results and scientific novelty. It has been established that young people do not perceive traditions as an immutable cultural framework; rather, in the context of an “identity crisis”, they actively create and recreate their identities, including by drawing on cultural traditions. Russian youth (the digital generation, encompassing both younger and older millennials) regard a strong family as a traditional value. However, their evaluation of other values traditionally associated with Russian culture is ambivalent. Reflexive traditionality is highlighted as important, involving the comprehension and analysis of the role of traditions in culture and their connection to both personal and collective cultural identity. An example of this reflexivity is the model of reproducing the spiritual personality of the teacher (with its characteristic system of activities and motivations) in the student. Such examples of reproduction exist in various cultures, including our own national culture. The educational and socio-cultural environment of educational institutions can and should serve as a space for reflexive traditionality. The formation of traditional cultural values should also be the outcome of a purposeful state youth policy. Practical significance . The results obtained can serve as a valuable tool for university lecturers in evaluating the role of tradition in culture and in shaping students’ cultural identity.