Current issues of demographic security in Russia in the context of the self-awareness of the Russian people: a regional aspect

UDC 314(470+571-32)
DOI 10.20339/AM.05-26.104

Tatiana I. Grabelnykh, D.Sc. (Sociology), Professor, Head of the Department of Social Philosophy and Sociology, Institute of Social Sciences, Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia, e-mail: tagr@bk.ru

Natalia A. Sablina, Cand. Sci. (Sociology), Associate Professor, Department of Social Philosophy and Sociology, Institute of Social Sciences, Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia, e-mail: nsablina@bk.ru

This article examines the changing concept of demographic security in Russia in the context of the Russian people’s self-awareness. It is argued that, in the context of global turbulence and the overcoming of threats to social security, the importance of cultural values as an indicator of demographic security is increasing. A statistical analysis allows us to characterize the system of state measures taken in relation to families and increasing the birth rate. Among the demographic indicators of population self-awareness, the following are highlighted: maintaining health, preserving traditional family values, and creating a favorable environment for personal development. The sociological study confirmed the demand for new solutions to increase the birth rate in the country and its regions.  The main factors that have the greatest impact on the birth rate in modern society have been identified: economic conditions; a comfortable social environment; accessibility of childcare; environmental well-being; socio-cultural and spiritual-moral traditions. A set of measures has been proposed to promote an increase in the birth rate in Russia: increasing wages; ensuring affordable housing; expanding benefits and allowances that stimulate the birth rate; improving the quality and accessibility of medical services; improving the economic situation in the country; respecting reproductive rights and freedoms; improving the quality and accessibility of education; promoting family values, etc. It is concluded that increasing the prestige of the family institution and its multi-level support should become the leading factors influencing the growth of self-awareness of the Russian people as a basic condition for the implementation of the national model of demographic security.

Keywords: demographic security, national security, self-awareness of the Russian people, demographic processes, demographic threats, family, birth rate, spiritual values