Transformation of Russian Family: History and Modern Trends

Abstract

In modern Russia, the family institution is a matter of national security. This research featured the key transformations of the modern Russian family. The article presents the transformation stages in the context of the actual social relations, identifies the factors of these changes, and establishes the main trends that characterize the current state of the Russian family. Family models have become more diverse, as well as the strategies of couple relationship and parenthood. The traditional family functions are undergoing some transformations, e.g., new formats appear while others fade into the past. The modern family is characterized by individualism and rationalization instead of standards. Late parenthood requires more available reproductive technologies. These new trends are to be observed all over the country and in all age groups. Young metropolitan dwellers manifest rationalization and freedom of choice: they make marriage and divorce decisions quite easily, see marriage as optional, and are prone to late marriage and parenthood. The concept and implementation of state family policy in modern Russia need to take into account the abovementioned trends, as well as the actual attitude of the population to family relations and parenthood.