Models of youth’s family relations in Penza region

Abstract

Background. The Russian family is going through a difficult period of its devel-opment, characterized by a number of trends such as the normalization of cohabitation, the postponement of marriage and childbirth, and the popularization of “childfree” ideas. These trends are especially noticeable among young people. However, understanding previously widespread family values and practices as uniquely positive, and modern scenarios as ex-clusively negative, leads to a significant simplification of the situation. The purpose of the study is to identify different models of family relationships among young people in Penza region, combining traditional and innovative practices and value orientations. Materials and methods. To identify patterns of family relationships common among young people in Penza region, materials from the author’s research were used (Penza region, 2023, n = 616; 2020, n = 520), as well as data from the 2020 All-Russian Population Census and a socio-logical survey The Russian Public Opinion Research Center on the topic of the values of Russians (2023). Results. The main points of view on the transformation of the institution of family in Russia are considered. Models of family relationships among young people in Penza region are distinguished by their heterogeneity and the degree of their prevalence is determined. Social portraits of young people are presented depending on their preferred models of family relationships. Conclusions. Diversity is characteristic not only of the models of family relationships among young people in Penza region, but also of the social portraits of young people who prefer certain models. In young age groups who are not in a relationship, the “indifferent model” is more common, but young people who are already married or have a permanent partner are more often oriented towards more “productive” models that contribute to family reproduction.

Keywords

• models of family relationships
• youth
• family institution
• family values
• family practices