INHERITANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF CULTURE CLASHES: ETHNIC TRADITIONS OF PROPERTY DIVISION AND MANDATORY NORMS OF THE CIVIL CODE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Abstract and keywords
Abstract:
This article is devoted to a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of legal and ethnopsychological conflicts arising in the field of inheritance law in a multiethnic Russian society. The article examines the contradiction between the mandatory norms of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Part Three) (hereinafter – CC RF), based on a liberal-individualistic paradigm, and traditional ethnocultural systems of inheritance based on the principles of collectivism, clan hierarchy, and a sacred attitude towards ancestral property. Based on the analysis of doctrinal positions in the field of legal anthropology (V. A. Tishkov, N. I. Novikova), civilistics (A. L. Makovsky, O. Yu. Shilokhvost), and ethnopsychology (T. G. Stefanenko), key points of tension are identified: the priority of male inheritance, the concept of the indivisibility of the «parental nest» and ancestral land, and the rejection of testamentary freedoms that limit the rights of family members. The author argues that the direct disregard of these traditions by law enforcers leads to social destabilization, while their blind legitimization undermines a unified legal framework. The paper proposes a differentiated approach that combines strict adherence to the mandatory provisions of the Russian Civil Code in judicial dispute resolution with the active use of pre-trial conciliation procedures (mediation) adapted to the cultural context. The paper substantiates the need to develop methodological recommendations for notaries and judges in multiethnic regions to identify and consider ethnocultural factors in assessing the good faith and consent of heirs, as well as to strengthen legal education, taking into account the ethnopsychological characteristics of law perception. The article concludes that inheritance law must be viewed not only as a technique for the redistribution of property, but also as a socio-psychological institution requiring a culturally sensitive approach in law enforcement.

Keywords:
inheritance law, ethnocultural traditions, custom, legal pluralism, Civil Code of the Russian Federation, legal anthropology, ethnopsychology, mediation, notarial practice, clash of cultures
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