Resources

Several of the studies previously conducted by Baltic Institute of Social Sciences are used by experts as a reference point when researching specific topics. Therefore those BISS studies that have so far attracted the greatest demand and interest are included here, as they are not available in other databases.

Ethnic Tolerance and Integration of the Latvian Society (2004)

This is a study on the prevailing prejudices in Latvian society, the degree of tolerance and the mechanisms of formation of xenophobic attitudes. Focus group discussions in Latvian and Russian, 10 in-depth interviews with representatives of different nationalities and survey with 1018 Latvians and non-Latvians were conducted to obtain information. The findings of various researchers of ethnic relations are used in the theoretical basis of the work.

Ethnic Tolerance and Integration of the Latvian Society (2004)

This is a study on the prevailing prejudices in Latvian society, the degree of tolerance and the mechanisms of formation of xenophobic attitudes. Focus group discussions in Latvian and Russian, 10 in-depth interviews with representatives of different nationalities and survey with 1018 Latvians and non-Latvians were conducted to obtain information. The findings of various researchers of ethnic relations are used in the theoretical basis of the work.

Ethnic Tolerance and Integration of the Latvian Society (2004)

This is a study on the prevailing prejudices in Latvian society, the degree of tolerance and the mechanisms of formation of xenophobic attitudes. Focus group discussions in Latvian and Russian, 10 in-depth interviews with representatives of different nationalities and survey with 1018 Latvians and non-Latvians were conducted to obtain information. The findings of various researchers of ethnic relations are used in the theoretical basis of the work.

integration of Minority Youth in the Society of Latvia in the Context of the Educational Reform (2004)

The main goal of the study was to investigate how political views and positions of minority students, attitude towards the state, its implemented policies, sense of belonging to the state, ethnic relations and integration into Latvian society are formed in the context of minority education reform. The study included focus group discussions and quantitative surveys with minority students, their parents, and teachers.

integration of Minority Youth in the Society of Latvia in the Context of the Educational Reform (2004)

The main goal of the study was to investigate how political views and positions of minority students, attitude towards the state, its implemented policies, sense of belonging to the state, ethnic relations and integration into Latvian society are formed in the context of minority education reform. The study included focus group discussions and quantitative surveys with minority students, their parents, and teachers.

integration of Minority Youth in the Society of Latvia in the Context of the Educational Reform (2004)

The main goal of the study was to investigate how political views and positions of minority students, attitude towards the state, its implemented policies, sense of belonging to the state, ethnic relations and integration into Latvian society are formed in the context of minority education reform. The study included focus group discussions and quantitative surveys with minority students, their parents, and teachers.

Integration practices and perspectives (2006)

The study is focused on the influence of the main integration agents in Latvia, it consists of five parts. The first part is dedicated to the role of the mass media in the construction of collective identities, focusing on how questions about the sense of belonging to the country, civic and ethnic identity were depicted in Latvian and Russian press publications for 15 years (from 1990 to 2005). Critical discourse analysis is used as an analysis method. The second part analyses political parties, their programs and support in elections. The third part of the study is devoted to the analysis of the work of NGOs as agents of social integration. The research includes the analysis of the political positions and orientation of NGO activists, as well as the coverage of NGO activities in the press. In the fourth part of the study, an analysis of the attitudes of the representatives of the political elite of Latvia on the issues of social integration was carried out. It includes a secondary analysis of elite surveys conducted in collaboration with the University of Oslo (1997, 2000, 2003), as well as in-depth interviews with representatives of the political elite. In the fifth part of the study, the main focus is on the study of the social practices, which people implement in their daily life, creating integration strategies, as well as on the study of the resources available to different groups. Both Latvians and those belonging to minorities, as well as residents of different ages, incomes, educational levels and regions, are analysed as special groups. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study of social integration processes. The acculturation theory of John W. Berry was used in data collection and interpretation.

Integration practices and perspectives (2006)

The study is focused on the influence of the main integration agents in Latvia, it consists of five parts. The first part is dedicated to the role of the mass media in the construction of collective identities, focusing on how questions about the sense of belonging to the country, civic and ethnic identity were depicted in Latvian and Russian press publications for 15 years (from 1990 to 2005). Critical discourse analysis is used as an analysis method. The second part analyses political parties, their programs and support in elections. The third part of the study is devoted to the analysis of the work of NGOs as agents of social integration. The research includes the analysis of the political positions and orientation of NGO activists, as well as the coverage of NGO activities in the press. In the fourth part of the study, an analysis of the attitudes of the representatives of the political elite of Latvia on the issues of social integration was carried out. It includes a secondary analysis of elite surveys conducted in collaboration with the University of Oslo (1997, 2000, 2003), as well as in-depth interviews with representatives of the political elite. In the fifth part of the study, the main focus is on the study of the social practices, which people implement in their daily life, creating integration strategies, as well as on the study of the resources available to different groups. Both Latvians and those belonging to minorities, as well as residents of different ages, incomes, educational levels and regions, are analysed as special groups. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study of social integration processes. The acculturation theory of John W. Berry was used in data collection and interpretation.

Integration practices and perspectives (2006)

The study is focused on the influence of the main integration agents in Latvia, it consists of five parts. The first part is dedicated to the role of the mass media in the construction of collective identities, focusing on how questions about the sense of belonging to the country, civic and ethnic identity were depicted in Latvian and Russian press publications for 15 years (from 1990 to 2005). Critical discourse analysis is used as an analysis method. The second part analyses political parties, their programs and support in elections. The third part of the study is devoted to the analysis of the work of NGOs as agents of social integration. The research includes the analysis of the political positions and orientation of NGO activists, as well as the coverage of NGO activities in the press. In the fourth part of the study, an analysis of the attitudes of the representatives of the political elite of Latvia on the issues of social integration was carried out. It includes a secondary analysis of elite surveys conducted in collaboration with the University of Oslo (1997, 2000, 2003), as well as in-depth interviews with representatives of the political elite. In the fifth part of the study, the main focus is on the study of the social practices, which people implement in their daily life, creating integration strategies, as well as on the study of the resources available to different groups. Both Latvians and those belonging to minorities, as well as residents of different ages, incomes, educational levels and regions, are analysed as special groups. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study of social integration processes. The acculturation theory of John W. Berry was used in data collection and interpretation.

Ethnopolitical Tension in Latvia: Looking for the Conflict Solution (2005)

The purpose of the study was to use different research perspectives to gain a better understanding of how people understand the ethnic situation in Latvia, to what extent society is focused on social integration and ethnic peace, as well as whether people think that conflict will inevitably occur. The researchers were also interested to know to what extent the thinking and actions of individuals could contribute to the deepening of the conflict. The research project was implemented with the financial support of the US Embassy in Riga.

Ethnopolitical Tension in Latvia: Looking for the Conflict Solution (2005)

The purpose of the study was to use different research perspectives to gain a better understanding of how people understand the ethnic situation in Latvia, to what extent society is focused on social integration and ethnic peace, as well as whether people think that conflict will inevitably occur. The researchers were also interested to know to what extent the thinking and actions of individuals could contribute to the deepening of the conflict. The research project was implemented with the financial support of the US Embassy in Riga.

Ethnopolitical Tension in Latvia: Looking for the Conflict Solution (2005)

The purpose of the study was to use different research perspectives to gain a better understanding of how people understand the ethnic situation in Latvia, to what extent society is focused on social integration and ethnic peace, as well as whether people think that conflict will inevitably occur. The researchers were also interested to know to what extent the thinking and actions of individuals could contribute to the deepening of the conflict. The research project was implemented with the financial support of the US Embassy in Riga.

Language. Research Report (2008)

In the period from 1996 to 2008, surveys on the Latvian language knowledge and use were regularly conducted on the order of the Latvian Language Learning State Program (LVAVP). About 2,000 people were surveyed in the research, half of whom spoke Latvian as their mother tongue, and half spoke Russian or another language. These studies provided an insight into how the knowledge and use of the Latvian language in the public environment is gradually changing. Unfortunately, under the influence of the economic crisis and as a result of the reorganization and optimization of state institutions, monitoring was stopped.

Language. Research Report (2008)

In the period from 1996 to 2008, surveys on the Latvian language knowledge and use were regularly conducted on the order of the Latvian Language Learning State Program (LVAVP). About 2,000 people were surveyed in the research, half of whom spoke Latvian as their mother tongue, and half spoke Russian or another language. These studies provided an insight into how the knowledge and use of the Latvian language in the public environment is gradually changing. Unfortunately, under the influence of the economic crisis and as a result of the reorganization and optimization of state institutions, monitoring was stopped.

Language. Research Report (2008)

In the period from 1996 to 2008, surveys on the Latvian language knowledge and use were regularly conducted on the order of the Latvian Language Learning State Program (LVAVP). About 2,000 people were surveyed in the research, half of whom spoke Latvian as their mother tongue, and half spoke Russian or another language. These studies provided an insight into how the knowledge and use of the Latvian language in the public environment is gradually changing. Unfortunately, under the influence of the economic crisis and as a result of the reorganization and optimization of state institutions, monitoring was stopped.

Immigrants in Latvia: possibilities and conditions of inclusion (2009)

The report on the results of the study is presented in three main parts. First there is a review of the theoretical framework of the research. There is also an evaluation of legal regulations related to immigration and integration of immigrants in the EU and Latvia, as well as analysis and correlation of statistical data related to third-country nationals in Latvia. Here we also look at immigration policies and best practices in EU member states – ones that could be used to regulate immigration processes and establish policies related to immigration processes and integration of immigrants. The second part of the report focuses on the needs of immigrants who are third-country nationals, also looking at how they are received in Latvia in terms of employers, intermediary services, and assurance of social and other services. The needs of immigrants have been identified via a survey of immigrants and in-depth interviews with foreigners from various countries. The results have been compared to views about the work and lives of third-party nationals that are presented by employers, as well as by providers of social and other services. The third part of the report focuses on an analysis of prospects for integration policies vis-à-vis third-country nationals at the state and local government level. A comparison of the views of state and local government officials and experts provides us with revelations related to the prospects of new immigration policies, as well as obstacles against their development.

Immigrants in Latvia: possibilities and conditions of inclusion (2009)

The report on the results of the study is presented in three main parts. First there is a review of the theoretical framework of the research. There is also an evaluation of legal regulations related to immigration and integration of immigrants in the EU and Latvia, as well as analysis and correlation of statistical data related to third-country nationals in Latvia. Here we also look at immigration policies and best practices in EU member states – ones that could be used to regulate immigration processes and establish policies related to immigration processes and integration of immigrants. The second part of the report focuses on the needs of immigrants who are third-country nationals, also looking at how they are received in Latvia in terms of employers, intermediary services, and assurance of social and other services. The needs of immigrants have been identified via a survey of immigrants and in-depth interviews with foreigners from various countries. The results have been compared to views about the work and lives of third-party nationals that are presented by employers, as well as by providers of social and other services. The third part of the report focuses on an analysis of prospects for integration policies vis-à-vis third-country nationals at the state and local government level. A comparison of the views of state and local government officials and experts provides us with revelations related to the prospects of new immigration policies, as well as obstacles against their development.

Immigrants in Latvia: possibilities and conditions of inclusion (2009)

The report on the results of the study is presented in three main parts. First there is a review of the theoretical framework of the research. There is also an evaluation of legal regulations related to immigration and integration of immigrants in the EU and Latvia, as well as analysis and correlation of statistical data related to third-country nationals in Latvia. Here we also look at immigration policies and best practices in EU member states – ones that could be used to regulate immigration processes and establish policies related to immigration processes and integration of immigrants. The second part of the report focuses on the needs of immigrants who are third-country nationals, also looking at how they are received in Latvia in terms of employers, intermediary services, and assurance of social and other services. The needs of immigrants have been identified via a survey of immigrants and in-depth interviews with foreigners from various countries. The results have been compared to views about the work and lives of third-party nationals that are presented by employers, as well as by providers of social and other services. The third part of the report focuses on an analysis of prospects for integration policies vis-à-vis third-country nationals at the state and local government level. A comparison of the views of state and local government officials and experts provides us with revelations related to the prospects of new immigration policies, as well as obstacles against their development.

Analysis of the integration process of Latvian non-citizens: RESEARCH, PROGNOSIS, SOLUTIONS AND DIALOGUE (2014)

The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles to naturalization and the motivation to naturalize or not to naturalize among Latvian non-citizens. Based on the conducted research, the project made forecasts of the decrease in the number of non-citizens for the next 5, 10 and 20 years. The study also developed recommendations for promoting the integration and naturalization of non-citizens. The research was carried out in close cooperation with other researchers, non-citizens, experts and representatives of state and local government institutions, organizing discussion circles in Latvian cities where the largest number of non-citizens live - Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja and Jelgava. The lessons learned from the discussions are included in the research monograph.

Analysis of the integration process of Latvian non-citizens: RESEARCH, PROGNOSIS, SOLUTIONS AND DIALOGUE (2014)

The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles to naturalization and the motivation to naturalize or not to naturalize among Latvian non-citizens. Based on the conducted research, the project made forecasts of the decrease in the number of non-citizens for the next 5, 10 and 20 years. The study also developed recommendations for promoting the integration and naturalization of non-citizens. The research was carried out in close cooperation with other researchers, non-citizens, experts and representatives of state and local government institutions, organizing discussion circles in Latvian cities where the largest number of non-citizens live - Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja and Jelgava. The lessons learned from the discussions are included in the research monograph.

Analysis of the integration process of Latvian non-citizens: RESEARCH, PROGNOSIS, SOLUTIONS AND DIALOGUE (2014)

The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles to naturalization and the motivation to naturalize or not to naturalize among Latvian non-citizens. Based on the conducted research, the project made forecasts of the decrease in the number of non-citizens for the next 5, 10 and 20 years. The study also developed recommendations for promoting the integration and naturalization of non-citizens. The research was carried out in close cooperation with other researchers, non-citizens, experts and representatives of state and local government institutions, organizing discussion circles in Latvian cities where the largest number of non-citizens live - Riga, Daugavpils, Liepaja and Jelgava. The lessons learned from the discussions are included in the research monograph.