Value Orientations and Civic Position of the Youth of the Republic of Mordovia

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of the escalation of contradictions between Russia, Ukraine and Western countries, the growth of Russophobic tendencies, which are becoming a new trend in the foreign information space, it is necessary to strengthen the value foundations within the country, to form an active civic position, a sense of patriotism, especially among young people, who are the main bearer of social potential. For the development and implementation of effective programs of civic and patriotic education, it is important to measure value orientations and study the specifics of citizenship. Such studies are of particular relevance for young people, who are a strategic resource for the development of the state. Materials and Methods. The system, axiological and structural-functional approaches, the method of classification and generalization were used as the theoretical and methodological strategy of the study. The applied basis of the study was the questionnaire method, as a result of which 400 people were interviewed, including young people aged 18–35 years (150 people, including 71 men and 79 women). The basis for the selection of analysis units was gender. Results. The respondents identified among the dominant constructs: “good health”, “good family”, “material security”, “interesting job”, “good education”. The value of “the desire to benefit your country” has taken the middle place, which indicates a tendency to a passive civic position. Among the value dominates of Russian society, the values of a culture with a low power distance – “individualism”, “risk”, “self-realization” and at the same time a high distance – “strong power” prevail. The civic position was considered in the context of the attitude of youth to patriotism. Associations of patriotism with love for home, city, country, loyalty to national culture, traditions, and way of life prevail among the respondents. Discussion and Conclusion. The study has showed: the dominance of material needs over spiritual ones; the average level of patriotism formation, as well as the development of a “normal identity”, which presupposes a critical understanding of the development of the state and society. In order to strengthen the sense of patriotism and, in general, an active civic position, it is necessary to direct efforts to improve the quality of life of the population, support effective feedback from citizens and the state, as well as stimulate the creation of multi-format spaces for positive youth activism.