Interetnické vzťahy Rusínov a Ukrajincov v rokoch 2004 – 2017

Interethnic relations are a complex social and political phenomenon. National pluralism, minority relations with the majority and also between individual minorities are currently phenomena in Slovakia. These are often an object of political discussions. The aim of the contribution is to analyse interethnic relations between Slovaks, Ruthenians and Ukrainians in 2004 – 2017 based on empirical research data focused on the theoretical, methodological and practical issues of ethnicity and ethnic relations. Data was collected in the second half of 2004 and 2017 in all regions of Slovakia. In 2004, a total of 480 respondents were surveyed for the needs of our study. The selection criteria for the research sample were: nationality indicator, t. j. public declaration of belonging to the minority; gender, age and education. In 2017 the total quota sample in our research consists of 482 adult respondents. Several conclusions follow from the presented results of intra-ethnic and interethnic relations. The evaluation of intra-ethnic relations has produced mixed results. Problems of the Ukrainian and Ruthenian minorities are not significantly reflected in Slovakia. Relationships between the Slovaks, the Ruthenians, and the Ukrainians have never had an antagonistic character. Ethnic affiliation of the population is one of the prerequisites for eliminating the possible formation of ethnic barriers. Socio-economic problems, multiplied by the specifics of the area cause more problems for population than national problems.