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Butovskaya M., Burkova V., Imameev E. Respect for Elders as a Social Norm of Modern Karachay Society

M. Butovskaya
Center for Cross-Cultural Psychology and Human Ethology,
N. N. Miklouho-Maclay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the RAS;
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Moscow, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0002-5528-0519
E-mail: marina.butovskaya@gmail.com  

 

V. Burkova
Center for Cross-Cultural Psychology and Human Ethology,
N. N. Miklouho-Maclay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the RAS
Moscow, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0003-4777-0224
E-mail: burkovav@gmail.com  

 

E. Imameev
Center for Cross-Cultural Psychology and Human Ethology,
N. N. Miklouho-Maclay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the RAS;
M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
Moscow, Russia
ORCID: 0009-0008-3626-7002
E-mail: natterera99@mail.ru

 

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ABSTRACT. Respect for and care for older relatives continue to be among the key moral norms in both traditional pre-state societies of farmers and cattle breeders and in societies with a centralized state structure. Scholarly interest in moral norms governing attitudes toward elders across cultures has led to diverse interpretations of filial piety. The aim of this study is to analyze individual attitudes toward the respect and care for parents in modern Karachay society, while accounting for respondents’ demographic characteristics. The research employed the Dual Filial Piety Scale, which assesses two dimensions of filial attitudes: reciprocal and authoritarian respect for older relatives. The sample consisted of 520 respondents (206 men and 314 women) and was collected in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. The results indicate that traditional attitudes toward helping and supporting older relatives remain highly significant in contemporary Karachay society. The majority of participants expressed clear support for providing assistance and care to elders; however, their views were less categorical regarding unconditional respect and obedience. This pattern was observed not only among Karachays but also among Russians and representatives of other ethnic groups residing in the republic. The analysis revealed that gender, family size, and religious and ethnic affiliation are important demographic factors influencing attitudes toward respect for elders.

 

KEYWORDS: respect for elders, care for elders, filial piety, intergenerational communication, Karachay

 

DOI 10.31250/2618-8600-2026-1(31)-50-79
UDC 316.77

 

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