Symbols and Values of Modern Russian Youth: Anthropological Study in the Kostroma and Vladimir Regions

DOI: 10.33876/2311-0546/2021-4/22-36

Abstract

Current problems and challenges require society to pay attention to the values of the younger generation. At the same time, the youth is known to be prone to rebel and protest and tend to take part in unauthorized rallies, which have become significantly more frequent in recent years. This provokes the interest of the society to study the current values and priorities of the Russian youth. The main task is to identify the problems that worry the younger generation and cause them to rebel against society. That is why socio-anthropological studies of young people’s behavior acquire a particular socio-political significance. This study aimed to identify the values and main difficulties of the youth in provincial regional centers and their goals for the near future. The study revealed that material values and welfare problems concern young people more than self-expression and freedom. And thus, our study indirectly confirmed the importance of another problem in Central Russia - the depopulation of the local population.

Unresolved problems of housing and social and financial well-being are forcing the younger generation to migrate to more comfortable places to live. Young people are more focused on their welfare problems than participation in social and political life. The youth responded to political topics with difficulty and tried to choose “correct” options rather than be honest. In provincial cities, young people are more modest and less decisive in their goals. The total result of the survey revealed a reluctance to confront social norms, which is probably the consequence of a conservative and strict upbringing. Employment and housing remain primary global life goals for the youth. Minimum wage, caring for the older generation and medical care are also important.

For Citation: Belova, N.A. Symbols and Values of Modern Russian Youth: Anthropological Study in the Kostroma and Vladimir Regions. Herald of Anthropology (Vestnik Antropologii) 4:  22-36.