The attitude of youth towards marriage and parenthood: quantitative and qualitative analysis (a case study of Barnaul)

The study analyzes the attitude of youth in Barnaul towards marriage and parenthood in the context of changing family values and a demographic crisis. The main focus is on students' attitudes regarding official marriage, childbearing, and the factors influencing their plans related to family formation and offspring. Social and economic conditions affecting the youth's attitudes toward marriage and parenting, as well as the role of the media space in shaping perceptions of the family, are examined. The relevance of the study is determined by the transformation of family values among contemporary youth and the need to explore the factors that impact students' family attitudes in modern conditions. The research aims to identify the characteristics of contemporary youth's perception of family and students' attitudes towards issues of marriage and parenthood. The practical basis of the research was formed by the results of a survey of students from Barnaul universities and semi-structured in-depth interviews with young people. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative sociological research methods aimed at exploring youth attitudes towards marriage and parenthood. It was established that the majority of respondents continue to have a positive attitude towards official marriage and the birth of children; however, they associate family formation with achieving financial stability, having their own housing, and trusting their partner. Gender differences in intentions to marry and attitudes towards family prospects were identified. A correlation was also found between the representation of family issues in the media space and the youth's attitudes towards family formation. The conclusion drawn is that contemporary youth do not reject family as a social value but postpone its establishment due to existing socio-economic and systemic barriers. The scientific novelty of the research lies in identifying the factors influencing students' attitudes towards marriage and parenting in modern conditions.