Theoretical approaches to the study of urban identity in a Russian industrial city

In the context of current geopolitical challenges, understanding how urban identity develops in Russian industrial centers has become increasingly important. A strong urban identity can influence residents’ migration intentions.

The article aims to to systematize theoretical approaches to the study of urban identity, with a particular focus on industrial cities. The study uses theoretical analysis and a review of empirical research by Russian scholars published over the past decade. We selected the studies from scientometric databases, classified them by research topic, and used a comparative approach to examine them alongside international perspectives. The study considers three main research perspectives: the sociological perspective, which focuses on identification with the urban community; the geographical and anthropological and urban studies perspectives, which focus on identification with place; and the political science perspective, which examines discourses. The cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and value-based and meaning-related components of urban identity are identified. The analysis shows a shift in the understanding of the industrial dimension of identity in industrial cities. Researchers increasingly view it not as a given characteristic but as an issue that requires purposeful transformation.

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