Klubikultuur eesti- ja venekeelsete inimeste integreerijana Sveta baari näitel

Abstract

In my article I explored the research question of how alternative club culture integrates Estonian- and Russian-speaking people with each other and with society at large. To address this I examined the dynamics of the relationships between Estonian- and Russian-speaking audiences at Sveta Baar, the factors influencing these relationships, and the role of music in this process. More broadly, I investigated how interviewees from different linguistic groups came to Sveta Baar and became part of its community, and how they contrasted with mainstream culture and music. The research revealed that alternative club culture can successfully serve as a medium for integrating Estonian- and Russian-speaking individuals by creating an open and diverse environment where people can interact, get acquainted and form meaningful social bonds, thus becoming part of a community. In alternative club culture, language barriers become less significant, while shared interests, a common love for music and similar values, centred around freedom, openness, a sense of belonging, authenticity and diversity, take precedence. While club culture can be a suitable environment for integration, it requires continuous and conscious efforts, particularly on the part of the Russian-speaking population, to keep the processes organic, as natural environments are the most effective for integration. The case of Sveta Baar showed that certain conditions must be met to create an environment conducive to integration, such as the use of English as the primary language of communication, which demonstrates the venue’s openness to all English-speaking individuals. Equally important is the openness and sense of community, allowing regular club-goers to contribute to event organization or club management if they wish. The analysis indicates that Sveta Baar fitted within the global alternative club culture scene, partly due to its commitment to being a safer and more inclusive space for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, linguistic background or other factors. Music played a central role for Sveta Baar and its community, significantly contributing to the integration of Estonian- and Russian-speaking people, and is a primary reason for visiting the club. So far, international researchers of nightlife have primarily focused on its economic and quantitative aspects. Although the sociocultural value of nightlife and its role in integration, inclusion, community building and fostering a sense of belonging and social well-being have been studied globally (Glass 2012; Jiang 2017; Street 2012; Hoeven, Hitters 2019; Allaste 2015; Pelsy 2021; Thornton 1995), major studies regarding Estonia are as yet to be undertaken. Future research should pay more attention to these aspects and consider them in practical policy-making.