Authors
Stefan Tung1; 1 University College London, UK Discussion
This research explores how ethnic identities of titular majorities and Russian-speaking minorities shape economic attitudes in post-transition societies, with Estonia and Latvia serving as comparative case studies. Using a mixed-method approach, the research adopts quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews to examine public support for environmental and welfare policies. Quantitative findings reveal a consistent ethnic divide, particularly between titular majorities and Russian-speaking minorities. In Estonia, ethnic Estonians show significantly greater support for environmental protection, even when it may hinder short-term economic growth, while Russian speakers, especially among the younger cohort, tend to prioritise economic development. This divide is less pronounced in Latvia. Support for environmental policies is notably stronger among individuals with higher socio-economic status, reflecting the influence of post-materialist values as discussed in existing literature.
While ethnicity has limited influence on support for income redistribution, it plays a more prominent role in shaping views on state-provided welfare, particularly in Estonia. Ethnic Estonians express lower support for government welfare provision, even after controlling for socio-economic status and birth cohort. Across both countries, individuals with higher income and education levels are less supportive of redistribution and welfare policies, consistent with the self-interest hypothesis.
Building on the understanding of the complex interplay of ethnicity, socio-economic conditions and experiences at adolescence based on the quantitative findings, the qualitative phase explores the economic attitudes of the younger cohort, in particular those who have spent the majority of their lives in the post-communist period, through semi-structured interviews. Conducted in Tallinn and Narva (Estonia), and Riga and Daugavpils (Latvia), these interviews engage both titular majorities and Russian-speaking minorities. The research aims to uncover how ethnic identity and lived experience shape views on environmental and welfare policies. By integrating statistical trends with personal narratives, this research highlights the role of ethnic identity in shaping economic preferences and offers policy-relevant insights for fostering inclusive and equitable development in diverse post-transition contexts. 
