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DOI: 10.15507/1991-9468.029.202504.711-733

UDC 316.442

Matrimonial Strategies of Regional Youth: Typology, Dispositions, Dynamics

Inna S. Shapovalova
Dr.Sci. (Sociol.), Associate Professor, Head of the Chair of Sociology and Organization of Work with Youth, Belgorod State National Research University (85 Pobedy St., Belgorod 308015, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2855-8968, Scopus ID: 56728382600, Researcher ID: R-6955-2016, SPIN-code: 2477-0791, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Zhanna O. Blagorozheva
Cand.Sci. (Sociol.), Senior Lecturer at the Chair of Sociology and Youth Work, Belgorod State National Research University (85 Pobedy St., Belgorod 308015, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1119-9644, Scopus ID: 57218374064, SPIN-code: 3904-6816, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract
Introduction. Effective matrimonial strategies are the foundation for demographic indicators and a prerequisite for achieving national project outcomes, while their transformation creates risks and prospects for the reproduction of national human capital. Despite numerous demographic publications, research focusing on the systematic and comprehensive study of changes in youth matrimonial strategies in relation to the dynamics of the social situation is lacking. The objective of this study is to assess the characteristics of matrimonial strategies of social groups within regional youth and the dynamics of indicators in the context of a frontline border region.
Materials and Methods. The analytical basis of this article is derived from data of “Social Strategies of Youth” monitoring (2021–2023) and the results of the “Matrimonial Strategies of Youth” study (2024). The research was conducted using a stratified quota sample, with districts of the Belgorod Region serving as the groups. Quota criteria included gender, age, and settlement type of respondents. Broad participant coverage within a short timeframe was achieved through online surveys conducted via recruiters. The “hot recruiting” technique involves recruiters working on sample recruitment using the “snowball sampling” method, with targeted dissemination of information about the ongoing work and individual consultation for respondents on research questions.
Results. Problems related to risky indicators of non-obligatory childbearing in the 18–21 year old youth group have been identified. Despite the connection between the matrimonial dispositions of regional youth and the priority of family and its values, this position solidifies with age, highlighting the significant role of educational institutions in mitigating demographic risks. Problematic issues concerning gender emphases in matrimonial dispositions and choices have been formulated, demonstrating a lesser orientation towards family and childbearing among young women compared to men. Risks of the devaluation of family values and the diminished significance of matrimonial plans for youth with low economic income have been identified.
Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the study contribute to the development of sociology of youth and sociology of the family. The research materials may be of interest to state youth policy management bodies at various levels, state and municipal administration bodies, youth organizations, and educational institutions.

Keywords: youth, matrimonial strategies, matrimonial dispositions, government policy, family values, life planning

Funding: The article was prepared with the financial support of the state task FZWG-2023-0016 “Life strategies of youth in the conditions of geopolitical transformation of the Russian space”.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Shapovalova I.S., Blagorozheva Zh.O. Matrimonial Strategies of Regional Youth: Typology, Dispositions, Dynamics. Integration of Education. 2025;29(4):711–733. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.029.202504.711-733

Authors’ contribution:
I. S. Shapovalova – formulation of research goals and aims; leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution; specifically critical review.
Zh. O. Blagorozheva – conducting a research and investigation process; application of formal techniques to analyse study data; specifically writing the initial draft.

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the authors on reasonable request.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 30.04.2025;
revised 07.08.2025;
accepted 14.08.2025.

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