Adaptation specifics of ethnic groups in contemporary Lithuamia

Adaptation specifics of ethnic groups in contemporary Lithuania reviews adaptation strategies displayed by various ethnic groups in Lithuania. The four variants - assimilation, integration, separation and marginality - are seen as a specific outcome of status, social relationships, and ethnic identity. Context of the strategies is conceptualized in discussing relevant notions of ethnic studies, importance of status groups, and adaptation challenges. Specific contents of the strategies are analyzed on the basis of survey and interview materials that cover topics of identity, social distance, closure of social networks and civic activity. Specific sampling approach was worked out in order to achieve a reliable cross-group comparison of five ethnic samples - Lithuanian, Russian, Polish, Jewish and Tartar. The study aims to overcome a tendency to see minority integration as an issue to be fully solved politically, and to reveal contents of ethnic relations and existing social challenges via sociological analysis.