ABSTRACT
This article aims to shed new light on young people’s participation in non-formal associations aimed at safeguarding traditions and national culture. Focusing on two case studies from Latvia within the international project CHIEF (Cultural Heritage and Identities of Europe’s Future), the study provides an in-depth analysis of how ‘culture’ is understood, practiced, and transmitted in non-formal education settings. The article also discusses what motivates young people in Latvia to get involved in associations aiming to preserve cultural heritage, and how these activities are connected to identity and attitudes toward other cultures.
Acknowledgments
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme under grant agreement no. 770464, “Cultural Heritage and Identities of Europe’s Future” (CHIEF).
Cited interviews
Instrumental kokle group:
Dainis, male, young person
Daiga, female, young person
Edgars, male, young person
Inta, female, young person
Polish folkdance group:
Agnese, female, young person
Donats, male, young person
Ernests, male, young person
Franceska, female, young person
Malgozata, female, teacher
Paula, female, young person
Tekla, female, young person
Veronika, female, young person
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Inta Mieriņa
Inta Mieriņa is a leading researcher at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Latvia, and the director of the Centre for Migration and Diaspora Research. Her recent research focuses on the integration of migrants and ethnic minorities. She is also a member of the CHIEF project team at Daugavpils University.