Growing Up in the North Caucasus

Investigating changes in upbringing in the North Caucasus, a region notorious for violent conflict, this book explores the lives of the generation born after the dissolution of the USSR who grew up with violent conflict and social change. It challenges the ‘traditional’ presentation of the North Caucasus as a locus of violence, and instead presents the life of people in the region through the lens of the young generation growing up there.

Using focus groups with teachers and students of ethnic groups, as well as surveys and essays written by children, the book analyses that while the legacy of conflict plays a role in many children’s lives, it is by no means the only factor in their upbringing. It explores how conflict has influenced upbringing, and goes on to consider factors such as the revival of religion, the impact of social and economic upheaval, and the shifting balance between school and parents in upbringing. As well as understanding the dynamic influences on children’s upbringing in the region, the book presents recommendations on how to address some of these challenges. The role of government in education is also evaluated, and prospects for the future are considered. It is a useful contribution for students and scholars of Education, Sociology and Central Asian Studies.