Kazakhstan-Spectrum

VALUES AND IDENTITY: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND AXIOLOGICAL INTENTIONS (THE CASE OF KAZAKHSTAN)

2025-05-27T15:40:52+05:00

The study of values in Kazakhstani society is shaped by the assertion of sovereign identity within today’s globalized landscape. The trajectory of value transformation aligns with the emergence of a new economic structure, growing social stratification, demographic shifts, efforts to overcome axiological tensions inherited from the Soviet past, the necessity of articulating historical memory, and the rapid advance of digitalization. Shifts in worldview are captured through sociological research and reflected in a hybrid value system, marked by heterogeneity and growing societal disparities. These changes manifest in various ways—from the promotion of unity and cohesion in official state documents to the polarizing axiological narratives circulating across digital platforms. Researchers and policymakers alike acknowledge the dissonance and the influence of new factors on identity formation.

The aim of this research is to represent the discourses surrounding values within both public and specialized consciousness, based on comparative analysis conducted by research institutions. Interdisciplinary approaches prove particularly effective in tracking value shifts. Scholars draw upon conceptual frameworks of neoliberalism, neocolonialism, nationalism, and institutional theory. Comparative methodological analysis reveals the predominance of a constructivist approach, emphasizing unity and cohesion through the revival of national values and a pragmatic, critical stance toward global neoliberal ideals.

SOME ASPECTS OF IDEOLOGICAL PROCESS IN KAZAKHSTAN: NATIONAL IDENTITY AND CIVIL SOCIETY

2025-05-20T15:10:20+05:00

The article considers the state ideology as an element of society development. Despite the fact that “ideological pluralism” prevails in Kazakhstan, the state forms the vectors of society development through the elaboration of programs and ideologems. An important factor is the national identity, which is developing in Kazakhstan as the ethnic identity of the Kazakh people and as the civil identity of the people of Kazakhstan. This puts an imprint on the ideological work of the state, which seeks to find a compromise and preserve the stability of social development in the context of multi-ethnic structure of the society. Within the framework of the nation-building policy pursued by the President of Kazakhstan Q.-J. Tokayev, civil nationalism, which is an alternative to ethnic nationalism, acquires special significance. Civic nationalism contributes to the consolidation of society around ideas and value meanings aimed at the implementation of the development strategy of the state and mobilization of citizens to achieve the goals of social and economic development.

FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL COUNCILS IN KAZAKHSTAN (1917–1991): STATUS AND POWERS

2025-05-28T18:06:44+05:00

This article examines the organization and development of public administration in Kazakhstan from 1917 to 1991. It analyzes the formation and evolution of state power in Kazakhstan following the October Revolution of 1917, focusing on the establishment, development, and stages of local councils as a distinct form of popular representation. The article explores their role in all aspects of public life in the Kazakh SSR. Using the current Constitution, laws, and other legislative acts, it examines the legal framework and actual powers of local councils. Additionally, the article provides a comparative analysis of the evolution and functioning of local councils as bodies of local government.

THE ROLE OF MASLIKHATS IN THE SYSTEM OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT: THE CASE OF ALMATY

2025-06-10T12:25:43+05:00

In Kazakhstan, maslikhats serve as a key element of the local self-governance system, functioning as representative bodies involved in decision-making processes that impact the lives of local communities. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of maslikhats within the local government, using the city of Almaty, the country’s largest metropolis, as a case study. The study employs a comprehensive methodological approach that includes a retrospective analysis of the formation and development of maslikhats, an analysis of the legal framework regulating their activities, and an examination of empirical data through semi-structured expert interviews. The findings of the study highlight both the achievements and challenges associated with the functioning of maslikhats in the context of Kazakhstan's modern local governance system, with a particular emphasis on the insufficient autonomy of these representative bodies. Based on the results, recommendations are proposed to enhance their effectiveness, citizen engagement, and interaction with authorities.

Features of social optimism of Kazakhstan people

2025-05-22T17:46:24+05:00

Effective implementation of political reforms today becomes possible with the conventional political participation of citizens, the involvement of society in socio-political processes and events in the country. In turn, building quality political communication between the government and society requires assessing the well-being, sentiments and needs of citizens.

The relevance of this topic is primarily due to the need of modern societies for social optimism and hope as a foundation for development since the loss of hope and the prevalence of pessimism can lead to a passive state of public life, with the population failing to see future prospects. This issue can become especially acute if the media space portrays the government negatively, increasing conflict and distrust, and reducing the sense of security within society. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to analyze the importance of social optimism for Kazakhstan’s society and its specific features.

The reviewed works contributed to an understanding of the phenomenon, while an analysis of Kazakhstan’s studies allowed for a description of the state of society and the significance of social optimism within it. Additionally, the author's own research provided insights into the role of the informational factor. As a result, the key components of social optimism were identified, which may serve as a foundation for developing measures to strengthen it.

HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY IN KAZAKHSTAN’S AGGLOMERATIONS: ANALYZING ITS IMPACT ON SOCIAL MOBILITY AND INTEGRATION

2025-05-22T16:29:52+05:00

This study focuses on assessing housing affordability in the major agglomerations of Kazakhstan—Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent—and its impact on the social mobility of the population. The aim of the research is to analyse housing affordability and identify its role in social advancement opportunities. The main directions of the study include a quantitative analysis of data on average wages and housing costs, as well as the calculation of the Housing Affordability Index (HAI). The scientific and practical significance of the research lies in identifying significant differences in housing affordability across cities and their impact on social mobility. Specifically, housing in Astana and Almaty remains unaffordable relative to average wages, hindering social mobility, while the situation in Shymkent is somewhat different. The research methodology involves the collection and analysis of statistical data, allowing for a detailed examination of current trends in housing policy. The key findings highlight the need for a deeper analysis of housing policies and their impact on social integration. This study contributes significantly to understanding the relationship between housing affordability and social processes in Kazakhstan, which can be utilized in the development and adjustment of public policy in this area. The practical significance of the work lies in providing recommendations for improving housing policy to promote social mobility.

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF STATE REGULATION IN THE MINING AND METALLURGICAL COMPLEX OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

2025-06-05T15:58:38+05:00

The article is devoted to the analysis of current trends in the development of the mining and metallurgical complex (MMC) of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the context of the transformation of the state industrial policy. Based on statistical data for 2021-2024, key changes in the volumes and structure of production were identified, including an increase in the extraction and processing of non-ferrous metals against the background of a decrease in activity in the iron ore and ferrous metallurgy segment. The authors consider the impact of the new model of state support focused on priority areas - greening, digitalization, and increasing added value. At the same time, the article identifies the systemic limitations of the current regulatory model: the predominance of administrative methods, weak integration of innovative and environmental incentives, and a low level of deep processing and digital development of most enterprises. A conclusion is made about the need to move to a stimulating, technology-oriented, and sustainable regulation of the industry to ensure its long-term competitiveness.

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL FOOD PRICES ON FOOD INFLATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

2025-05-02T17:15:49+05:00

Food inflation in Kazakhstan is a complex and multifactorial issue, with one of its key aspects being dependence on import prices. Given that a significant share of food products in the country is imported, analyzing the impact of global prices on the domestic food market is a critically important task for ensuring food security and price stability.

This study assesses the impact of global food prices on food inflation in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The analytical part of the research was conducted in two stages using correlation-regression analysis and time series analysis, respectively. The findings are based on data processing over a time lag from 2000 to 2024. The first stage relied on monthly data (a total of 300 observations), while the second stage involved modeling three time series, selecting key influencing events (financial crisis, oil price collapse, pandemic).

The study revealed that global food prices have a direct impact on food inflation in the country. Furthermore, it was substantiated that the effect of global prices on inflation levels intensifies during periods of global instability.

The volatility of global food prices necessitates continuous monitoring of their impact on domestic prices and the adoption of well-grounded measures to curb inflation.

The findings suggest the necessity of differentiating goods based on production channels—domestic and imported production—and revising the existing methodology for calculating imported food inflation.

ECOSYSTEM AND HUMAN-CENTERED APPROACH TO PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN THE PRISM OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR KAZAKHSTAN

2025-05-28T17:58:01+05:00

The article examines the ecosystem and human-centered approaches in personnel management, their interconnection, and impact on public administration. The study analyzes concepts developed by international institutions such as the OECD, World Bank, ILO, and UNDP, and their potential application in Kazakhstan. The focus is on creating conditions for effective human capital management, implementing digital technologies, and developing sustainable HR strategies. The ecosystem approach views personnel management as part of a complex system involving government institutions, the private sector, educational organizations, and public institutions. The human-centered approach emphasizes employee needs and well-being, increasing engagement and productivity. The study proposes recommendations for Kazakhstan’s public administration, including the creation of ecosystem-based HR platforms, the development of working conditions, the integration of international standards, monitoring HR policy effectiveness, and digitalizing HR processes. The implementation of these approaches will enhance the resilience and adaptability of Kazakhstan’s public service to modern challenges, contributing to the development of innovative personnel management methods.