Methodology:
The research methodology is based on the interdisciplinary approach using synthesis and analysis of the material. Certain parts of the project are found upon the classical Oriental studies methods: source and manuscript studies, fieldwork research methods (applied by the participants during the expeditions in the countries of the Middle East, East and South-East Asia), comparative research methods in folklore, language and socio-ethnographic data, as well as methods of content-analysis and cross-cultural researches.
Empirical base of research:
Empirical research base covers a wide range of sources: manuscripts constituting handwritten heritage of the peoples of the East; authentic versions of literary and folklore texts in the Oriental languages; musical notations; archive materials; mass media materials of Asian and African countries.
Results of research:
- New information about small socio-cultural groups, processes of social and ethnocultural divergence and convergence in Asian-African societies, existing and potential opposition of identities, communities (groups) and social trends in the states of Asia and Africa was analyzed and introduced into scientific use;
- Developed at the previous stage of the project basic principles of the concept “Minority vs. Majority” were supplemented by an analysis of situations and interactions in the context of moral and pragmatic dimensions defined by the principles of “ethics” and “efficiency”;
- The criteria correlation between “ethics” and “efficiency” in diverse situations involving minorities and majorities for determination of external influence mechanisms for potential conflicts prevention and resolution.
Level of implementation, recommendations on implementation or outcomes of the implementation of the results:
The project results are used in the development of the curriculum and lecturing courses for students of 1–3 years taught under the program of “Asian and African Studies”, as well as for holding minor lecturing courses “Asian and African Studies” in HSE – St. Petersburg.
