Abstract

As a starting point, this paper presents a theoretical premise of the identity concept being in crisis. The paper uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining the social-psychological concept of identity and an initially geographical term space. A conceptual framework is used for analysing dialogical identity, including a combination of spatial practices, representations of space and representational space. Qualitative in-depth interviews are used as an empirical basis for analysing the identity construction patterns of Russian youth in Estonia. The identity patterns regarding one’s individual construction of social space (e.g. cultural contacts, spoken languages, etc.) are analysed. The results of the analysis show a variety of references used for identity construction. The creativity in managing identity references rather than normative cultural openness turned out to be a prerequisite for emotionally significant identification. The identification choices are made on the basis of the perception of collective strategies offered by the Estonian state, the individual creativity and dialogical practices.