Schoolchildren’s appreciation of the contested landscape of Ida-Viru county, Estonia
Abstrakti
The aim of the paper is to bring forth the discrepancies
between Russian and Estonian schoolchildren’s
perception of the declining industrial landscape in
Ida-Viru county, Estonia. The opinion of the youngsters
is important for the future developments in
the area. A survey among 376 schoolchildren in 13
schools reflecting the complex demographic situation
(80 percent of the population is Russian-speaking
and 80 percent of the population is urbanized) in
Ida-Viru County was conducted. No drastic differences
emerged but opinions and overall awareness
diverge in several important issues. Today’s youngsters
are coming from at least second generation
living in the area and should not be personally affected
by the past. Still, the influence of history and
culture through social ties and practices emerges in
the perception of the landscape.