The article discusses and analyzes theoretical approaches to the emergence of people in the world. Theoretical and methodological approaches to the problem of ethnos and ethnicity, ethnogenesis and ethnic history based on the approaches of primordialism, constructivism and instrumentalism are considered. The main purpose of the analysis of these approaches is to identify the current fate of the Uzbek people and the views associated with its formation, and which path is optimal for its further development. The essence of the theory of “ethnos” is explained and its consequences are considered. A critical opinion is given about the leading position of Soviet protectionism (the state of protecting one’s views) in ethnological studies of Uzbekistan.  A new theoretical and methodological approach to local history is needed, related to the origin of the people, the peoples of the region, at the same time, it is important to solve this problem in the history of Uzbekistan.