The institution of the family in the structure of political and social relations: the value foundations of the stability of society

In the context of modern political and social transformations, the analysis of basic social institutions that ensure the reproduction of values, norms and mechanisms of social integration is particularly relevant. This article examines the institution of the family, which in modern scientific discussion is often seen as losing its social and political significance due to the transformation of family roles, the growth of individualization and changes in life strategies. The purpose of the article is to identify the role of the institution of the family in the structure of political and social relations and to analyze its value bases as a factor of sustainability of modern society. The research is theoretical and analytical in nature and is based on the use of a theoretical and analytical approach, elements of structural, functional and comparative analysis. The source base consists of works by domestic and foreign authors on political sociology, the theory of social institutions and the sociology of the family, as well as analytical materials from VTSIOM. As a result of the analysis, it is shown that the transformation of the family institution mainly affects the forms and practices of family life, without destroying its basic value core. It is proved that the values formed within the framework of family relations continue to have a significant impact on the processes of social integration and political socialization. The empirical data of VTsIOM confirm the stable importance of the family in the system of vital values of Russians, which indicates the preservation of its integration potential even in conditions of social instability. Additionally, this conclusion is illustrated by qualitative observations obtained in the course of teaching. It is concluded that the institution of the family retains its role as an important element of the reproduction of social stability, acting as a link between everyday social practices and broader political and social processes. Taking into account the value dimension of the family makes it possible to expand the analytical capabilities of political sociology and to rethink the role of family institutions in the context of modern transformations of society.