Family and demographic discourse in the narratives of students (on the example of students of the Faculty of social sciences at Lobachevsky University)

Abstract

The article presents the results of pilot study conducted by the focus groups (n=3) with students of the Faculty of Social Sciences of N. I. Lobachevsky National Research University, conducted by the author in the first half of 2025 for analyze the perception of modern family and demographic discourse by students. This research contains the opinions and assessments of students of public initiatives related to the expansion of pro-natalist measures, measures of social support for the family, motherhood, fatherhood and childhood, general trends in the family and reproductive sphere, and the participation of media channels in value-semantic construction. Young people are included in the discourse, form opinions about certain processes and discussions (about fertility, marriage, parenthood, their postponement, the transformation of regulatory regulations and everyday choices), and certain needs (to transform traditional stereotypes in the field of parenthood in favor of involved fatherhood, using the potential of family blogging). It is concluded that it is necessary to take into account the narratives of student youth in order to improve family and demographic policy and reduce the distance between state, public and individual demands of young people.