The population migration attitudes in the Arctic territories of the Komi Republic and their spatial differentiation

Abstract

Introduction: the task of maintaining control over the geostrategic territory of the Russian Arctic requires dealing with problems of population outflow and reduced reproduction of human capital. The need to develop appropriate management mechanisms makes it relevant to form the scientific foundations for regulating migration processes. In this context, supplementing the existing statistical information with data on the migration attitudes of the population of the Arctic regions, in particular the Arctic territories of the Komi Republic, becomes of paramount importance. Objectives: to determine the reasons for migration attitudes formation among the population in the Arctic territories of the Komi Republic; to identify their spatial differentiation and differences between social groups. Methods: the research was based on the results of a population survey in the Komi Republic Arctic territories (n = 651, 2021), as well as Rosstat data. Methodological approaches of spatial economics and sociology were used. Results: data on migration processes were analyzed; migration attitudes and their specificity were identified in the spatial context, as well as within the framework of age, educational and income groups of the population. The intention to leave the Arctic territories of the region is most pronounced among the residents of Vorkuta: 47.4 % of respondents have certain plans to relocate or are considering opportunities for this; in Inta, this indicator reaches 36.1 %. The most significant reasons for migration intentions for the residents of the Komi Republic Arctic territories are: the desire to change the climatic conditions (important and very important for 62.4 % of those wishing to leave the subregion), the desire to ensure the future of children (58.1 %), as well as the need to improve medical care (51.2 %). Conclusions: the article proposes an analytical basis of a point and spatially differentiated impact on the most important causes and factors of population migration in the Arctic territories of the Komi Republic. The factors providing the strongest influence on the population outflow in certain territories and requiring relatively small organizational and financial costs to overcome them should be leveled first. This approach is most relevant in the context of severe resource constraints on the country’s development.