Values and motivational guidelines for childbearing

Abstract

The analysis of value and motivational guidelines for childbearing in modern Russia, which goes beyond the study of exclusively financial support measures, has been carried out. The focus is on psychological and social factors influencing reproductive behavior, such as social status, educational level, geographical location, religiosity, and marital and family status. The methodological basis of the study is based on data from the Federal State Statistics Service, major sociological studies, and scientific publications over the past decade. The key determinants of reproductive attitudes have been identified. It has been established that having many children is most typical for people aged 30–45 years with secondary education, oriented towards traditional values and living in stable marriages. On the contrary, youth and highly educated groups in megacities postpone having children or li­ mit themselves to one child due to career ambitions, economic insecurity, and individualistic values. The significant influence of cultural and religious norms and living conditions (urban versus rural) has been emphasized. The paper concludes about about the need for a comprehensive demographic policy aimed not only at economic support, but also at forming pro-family values from adolescence, as well as at creating conditions for combining parenthood and professional fulfillment, including flexible employment.