Factors Shaping the Reproductive Behavior of Young Families in Russia: Data Triangulation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2023.7.1.219

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to identify the factors that influence the reproductive behavior of young Russian families (heterosexual families consisting of two persons below the age of 35 with or without children). The analysis relies on the results of a mass questionnaire survey of young first-time married people (n = 893) conducted in 10 Russian regions in 2019–2020, in-depth interviews with young married people (n = 50) and an expert survey of managers and specialists working for social non-profits (n = 10), both conducted in 2021. Based on the data of the mass survey, we found that there are differences in the values of young families with children and without children. Moreover, young couples may choose to postpone childbearing not only for financial reasons but also because of their marital attitudes and reproductive strategies formed in the process of socialization. Marital behavior has a great influence on reproductive behavior. The differences in the respondents' attitudes to parenthood are determined by their gender roles, experience of having and raising children or absence of such experience. We found that state social support does not have a significant impact on the reproductive behavior of young families in Russia. Expert assessments show that the current measures of social support for young families do not cover all the needs of these families and that there is a perceived need for a more comprehensive assistance model.

Author Biographies

Tamara K. Rostovskaya, Institute for Demographic Research of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Tamara K. Rostovskaya, Doctor of Science (Sociology), Professor, Deputy Director for Research of the Institute for Demographic Research – Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. She has published more than 600 research works. Her research interests cover such themes, as sociology of family, sociology of youth, state family-demographic policy, fertility, migration, measures of social support, demographic education.

Ekaterina N. Vasilieva, Institute for Demographic Research of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

Ekaterina N. Vasilieva, Doctor of Science (Sociology), Associate Professor, Principal Researcher of the Institute for Demographic Research – Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. She has published more than 100 research articles in the fields of sociology of family, economic sociology (youth economic activity), measures of social support of the population.

Veronika N. Kholina, Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russia

Veronika N. Kholina, Candidate of Sciences (Geography), Departmental Head, Associate Professor, Department of Regional Economics and Geography, Faculty of Economics, RUDN University. She has published 190 research articles investigating the topics of geographical education and the spatial economic structure of various countries.

Published
2023-04-10
How to Cite
Rostovskaya, T., Vasilieva, E., & Kholina, V. (2023). Factors Shaping the Reproductive Behavior of Young Families in Russia: Data Triangulation. Changing Societies & Personalities, 7(1), 72–87. doi:10.15826/csp.2023.7.1.219
Citation Formats
Issue
Vol. 7, No. 1 (2023)
Section
Articles