OPTIMIZATION AND ADAPTATION OF THE GLOBAL IDENTITY SCALE: MEASURING GLOBAL-LOCAL RELATIONS

Abstract

Global influences and local conditions shape diverse cultural identities, underscoring the importance of robust tools for measuring these phenomena. The aim of this research is to measure global-local relations reflecting various aspects of cultural dynamics that shape youth identity in Kazakhstan, based on an optimized and adapted Global Identity Scale (GIS).

The study’s scientific and practical significance emerges as global influences reshape local structures, requiring methodologies to capture these changes. These measurements help understand and address the challenges of demographic groups in a globalizing world.

Methodology: The study optimizes and adapts GIS to explore the cultural preferences of Kazakhstani student youth. Data were collected through surveys, with participants equally selected from two groups: ethnically homogeneous (Kazakhs, N=225) and heterogeneous (others, N=225). A total of 426 cases were analyzed in IBM SPSS. Constructs such as "globalists", "localists", "glocalists", and "negativists" were developed to cover different identity orientations based on the GIS scale.

Main results and analysis, conclusions: Data analysis using paired t-tests indicated that most statements show statistically significant differences between the assessments of globalists and localists. The results reflect a predominance of globalization while maintaining traditional local identities. This combination indicates a generational shift towards global identity, independent of ethnic background.

This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on global and local identity, particularly in a post-colonial context like Kazakhstan, and expands academic understanding of cultural identity dynamics.

The study’s practical significance lies in its provision of significant information. Future work could expand through panel studies to track changes in identity perception among a broader youth demographic over time, particularly in response to global events or national policy changes.

Keywords: global-local relations, identity constructs, measurement, GIS, students.