Nº 6 (2025)

The article evaluates the possibility of forecasting mass social attitudes based on the interest of the population for the eras in the development of the country. Historical eras and their symbols are considered as comparison standards, temporal analogues of reference groups that provide the mass consciousness with samples of “reserve” standards of living and standards of achieved results, as starting points for assessing the degree of satisfaction of the population with the development of the country in the current period. An approach to modeling the dynamics and shocks of the index of the state of affairs in the country (VCIOM index 2018–2025 was used) based on statistics of Internet queries by Russians for data on the eras and/or their symbols that are important for the modern history of Russia is proposed. Basing on it, the nature of the connection between the population’s interest in reference eras and the dynamics of social attitudes in Russia is discussed, and the phenomena of economic and ideological gaps and economic in the dynamics of social attitudes are derived. The contribution of the heroic-patriotic complex of eras and symbols to greater accuracy of forecasting social attitudes is shown in addition to the system of economic factors: interest in the Great Patriotic War, Victory, USSR historical connotations of the concepts “Homeland” and “Superpower”, I. V. Stalin’s name.

Being a living language, the language of the media actively responds to and reflects processes occurring in a society. As the COVID-19 pandemic has been a big crisis for humanity in the 21st century, it is extremely interesting and crucial to identify changes and trends in media language of the time and make parallels to patterns and shifts of social character evolving during the pandemic. The study is based on quantitative and qualitative content analysis of British press within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic. The period was split into four time spans, the author created and applied to each of the periods four dictionaries with lexical units semantically related to social challenges and processes taking place in the UK during the pandemic. The study shows how social problems of the time such as discrimination against Asians, medical personnel and other key workers as well as restrictions of human rights and freedoms were reflected in media language. The results also reveal that in the early days of the pandemic an increase in anxiety and panic was traced through a large number of negative messages conveyed by press. But during the peak of the first wave in Britain the degree of negativity in the studied media texts drops together with the level of mental health issues of British young adults. Further findings show that it was achieved through intensive militarization of the language which raised the level of resilience of the nation.

The paper uses two repeat studies by Russian scientists (from 2022 and 2024) as examples to examine the contents and features manifesting value-related, organizational and communication aspects of independent research. Considering the study subject, it was important to pinpoint the relationship between the importance of independent research and its actual existence, focus of scientists on independent and team work, absence of regular professional peer communication and their expansion. The function of researcher independence was determined as its correlation with research productivity parameters. Groups of respondents with the greatest potential to distinguish between answers were set up for each aspect of independence. As we found out, differences between diverse ratios of research value and an opportunity for independence largely correlate with employment type, i. e. if scientists work at universities or RAS institutes. The prevailing factor that determines the preference for independent or team research is the study area: nature sciences, exact sciences, engineering or social studies and humanities. The major differentiating factor when it comes to regular contacts with other Russian researchers is academic credentials (candidates vs. doctors of sciences). We have demonstrated that out of the three aspects of researcher independence we have studied, only one (the focus on independent or team research) points to empirical parameters inherent to the concept, i. e. traits characterizing more responsible, rigorous and critical approach and positions to assessing various real or theoretical scenarios. In general, our analysis did not reveal enough to make us confidently say that independence for Russian researchers is a holistic concept that organically encompasses all its aspects, as well, as that independence in itself is a driver of research productivity.

This article examines the evolution of the concept of an ideal city, highlighting its rich social content and the significance of studying these ideas within the context of sociological theory. The ideal city, as a concept, has historically been imbued with bold visions for reorganizing urban spaces, reflecting broader societal values and ideals about social life. Through a comparative historical analysis spanning late 19th to early 21st-century social scientific thought in Russia, Western Europe, and North America, this study reveals significant shifts in how the ideal city is conceptualized. A key finding is that modern conceptions of the ideal city have diminished in their emphasis on social and utopian ideals compared to earlier stages. This reduction poses a challenge for urban planning, as it may lead to environments that are less socially cohesive and equitable. The article argues that this trend is detrimental to the future of urban development, as it overlooks the importance of social organization and community in creating sustainable and desirable cities. In response, the article posits that sociologists have a critical role in reinvigorating the ideal city concept by focusing on the structure of social life. By integrating socio-utopian ideals into urban planning, sociologists can contribute to the creation of more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments. This approach not only enriches our understanding of social ideals but also informs practical strategies for urban development that prioritize human well-being and community vitality. Ultimately, this research underscores the need for a holistic vision of the ideal city that balances physical infrastructure with social and cultural dimensions.

The article aims to analyze the influence of involved fatherhood and close relationships with the father on the subjective well-being and development of a psychologically healthy personality of adolescents. Based on the assessment of fathers’ contribution to the upbringing of adolescents during the childhood and adolescence periods, we can assume that there is a trend for the shift from traditional to involved fatherhood. The research shows that involved fatherhood serves as the basis for the development of close relationships between fathers and adolescents. We can trace gender differences in fathers’ relationships with children: boys get more attention from fathers than girls, and fathers’ communication with boys is more diverse and intense. We found out the gender-related nature of the father’s influence on the personal development of adolescents in groups with different degrees of closeness. Fathers who maintain close relationships make an important contribution to the development of a strong and stable personality of adolescents. Boys develop resilience, the ability to manage their feelings, confidence, a calm attitude to criticism, and independence, while girls develop the desire for self-development, positivity, kindness and mindfulness. Teenagers with distant relationships with their fathers have a lack of communication with them, which is most strongly manifested in their emotional sphere. The most vulnerable are girls, who experience the whole range of subjective experiences of distress.

Depopulation of the population, exacerbating the problem of low population in vast territories of the Russian Federation, is a key challenge of the 21^st century. An example of this problem is the Saratov Region, a territory with a borderline geostrategic status, whose demographic situation is characterized by large–scale population declines, especially rural ones. The decrease in the number of residents of the region is due more to natural decline than migration. Migration outflow is more noticeable in rural areas. The decline in the birth rate is due to the narrowing and aging of the reproductively capable female population, and a decrease in the number of first and second births. Territorial differences in demographic indicators are related to the ethnic composition of the population and the degree of remoteness/proximity to the Greater Saratov agglomeration. The cluster «high birth rate – high migration outflow» consists of the eastern regions near the border with Kazakhstan with a high proportion of densely populated Muslim ethnic groups. The cluster «very low birth rate – high migration decline» is formed by the smallest western regions of the region with an absolute predominance of the Russian population. Both clusters are geographically the most remote from the regional center with a rural type of settlement. Comprehensive measures are needed to overcome negative demographic trends, taking into account age and territorial transformations in the female reproductive population structure.

The participation in voluntary non-remunerated blood donation constitutes a significant social practice that ensures the stable functioning of the healthcare system. However, amid increasing demand for donor blood components and escalating socio-demographic challenges, there has been a decline in both the number of donations and active donors, particularly among young people. This issue is further exacerbated by the limited attention given to the motivational and behavioral aspects of blood donation in domestic sociology, hindering a comprehensive understanding of its future development. This study aims to identify the collective perceptions of Russians regarding blood donation as a social practice. The research is based on data from a mass survey of adult residents of Vologda region (N = 800), conducted via a self-administered questionnaire in July-August 2024. The analysis revealed that blood donation remains weakly integrated into everyday life scenarios. About one-third of respondents have never considered donating blood, and fewer than one in five are willing to do it. The primary motivation for blood donation is altruistic – helping those in need – while pragmatic incentives, such as material benefits, are mentioned less frequently, despite their significant role. One of the key barriers to donor engagement is the low everyday relevance of blood donation and the lack of targeted information for the public. Addressing these problems requires the systematic institutionalization of this social practice through educational programs, the development of corporate social responsibility initiatives, personalized communication strategies, and media-driven promotion of positive narratives.

The article deals with the problems of personnel training for public authorities and local self-government bodies on the example of the activity of RANEPA and its Siberian branch. The author considers the existing practice of personnel training inexpedient and inefficient. The author suggests his own regional model, which involves, in addition to the educational institution, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Office of the Siberian Federal District, vice-governors, all stakeholders in the selection, training and distribution of highly qualified personnel for the authorities, based on the analysis of the activities of Higher Party Schools.

Анализируются результаты международной научной конференции Третьи Шанявские чтения – «Жизненный мир в гендерном измерении: теоретические и прикладные задачи современных исследований». Мероприятие объединило на междисциплинарной основе отечественных и зарубежных ученых и показало потенциал социологии жизни и ее эмпирической концепции «жизненный мир» в гендерных исследованиях.

В последние годы заметно возрос научный интерес к общественному договору. Подробный комплексный анализ эволюционного развития этого понятия осуществлен в фундаментальной монографии известного российского социолога, профессора Ж. Т. Тощенко. В ней автор подвергает масштабной ревизии историческую эволюцию понятия и политического опыта реализации общественного договора. В данной статье обсуждаются проблемы социального контракта между государством и народом в свете исторического многообразия его форм от «совещательной демократии» до «пакта» и моделей гражданского общества.