This paper reviews the adaptation strategies among various ethnic groups in Lithuania.
The four variants – assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalisation – are seen as the specific
outcome of status, social relationships, and ethnic identity. The context of the four strategies is
conceptualised through discussion of the relevant notions of ethnic studies, the importance of status
groups, and adaptation challenges. The specific contents of the four are analysed on the basis of
survey and interview materials that cover the topics of identification, social distance, closure of social
networks, and civic activity. The specific sampling approach was worked out in order to achieve a
reliable cross-group comparison of five ethnic samples (Lithuanian, Russian, Polish, Jewish, and
Tatar). This study aims to overcome the tendency to see minority integration as an issue that can be
fully solved politically, and to reveal the contents of ethnic relations and remaining social challenges
through sociological analysis.