Ethnocultural Adaptation of Qandases in Their Everyday Practices: An Ethnological Analysis

Abstract

The article explores the phenomenon of everyday life among Qandases (ethnic Kazakh repatriates) as a key mechanism in shaping their cultural identity and ensuring their successful integration into contemporary Kazakhstan society. It highlights the significance of household and ritual practices in preserving ethnocultural heritage and facilitating the adaptation of returnees, emphasizing the role of traditional values and family structures in the context of global challenges. The analysis focuses on the dynamics of cultural codes and their transformation in the process of integration into the social spaces of host regions. Particular attention is paid to the influence of women’s and youth communities in transmitting cultural models, adopting innovative practices, and expanding interethnic interaction. The study demonstrates that the adaptation of Qandases is not a linear process of integration but a complex, multi-layered mechanism that combines elements of traditional culture, modern economic strategies, and educational resources. The everyday life of repatriates is presented as a dynamic space where a new hybrid identity is constructed, merging historical memory with the social norms and values of Kazakhstan. The findings of this research have significant practical relevance: they can inform the improvement of ethnocultural and social adaptation programs, the development of educational courses in ethnology and migration studies, and policymaking in the field of repatriate support. The article contributes to the advancement of ethnological scholarship by offering a comprehensive view of Qandases adaptation strategies and emphasizing the importance of everyday life as a central category of ethnocultural analysis.