The article reveals conceptual problems of the formation of the concept of “complex identity” in modern humanities based on the analysis of foreign and Russian studies. In scientific history, the conceptual definition of the notion emerged in the    last third of the 20th century in sociology and social psychology, however, since the beginning of the 21st century it received further development due to the interdisciplinary research, which allowed scientists to identify complex forms of identity in a dynamically developing world. At the beginning of the 21st century, the interest in identity as a cultural problem increased and it became necessary to study it in the context of modern culture and intercultural relations. Culturological problems allow us to combine existing ideas into a conceptual definition of the concept of “complex identity” and to prioritize research in accordance with modern socio-cultural relations.