Socio-Political Needs of Modern Russian Youth

Abstract

The paper considers the factors that influence the manifestation and extent of fulfillment of social and political needs of Russian youth. Students aged 18–24 are identified as the key object of analysis as the most civically active part of the youth community. The author distinguishes the following factors which influence the fulfillment of social and political needs: place of residence, education, basic civic activity, development of Internet access channels, level of culture and physical condition. Based on the results of the analysis and expert survey four major groups of socio-political needs of young people were identified: basic needs, communication needs, development of youth self-government and non-profit organizations, and implementation of state youth po­licy and youth-related policy. Each need was characterized in terms of areas of its implementation in the context of practical work with young people. The author also defined motives of civil activity of youth which form the demand in this segment of society for political and social activism in its various manifestations.