Religiosity and Reproductive Attitudes in the Value System of Contemporary Student Youth (Based on the Example of Technical University Students)

Introduction. The article examines the paradox of low demographic indicators in the context of high declarative importance of family and religion. Classical models suggesting a direct relationship between religiosity and reproductive attitudes do not work in Russia, which highlights the need to identify mediating mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to explore the mediating role of social capital in this relationship using the example of student and Cossack youth.

Methodology and sources. The study was based on P. Bourdieu's concept of two forms of social capital: real and declared. The study used a comparative design based on a questionnaire survey of 719 students at a technical university (potential declared capital) and 176 representatives of Cossack youth (potential real capital). Moderated mediation analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Results and discussion. A fundamental difference in the nature of the relationship between religiosity and reproductive attitudes has been identified. Among Cossack youth, religiosity, as a real social capital, is integrated into a holistic traditional profile with high reproductive attitudes. Among student youth, religiosity is often a declared social capital, which leads to a “fragmented identity” (especially among girls) and a weak connection with reproductive attitudes. The mediation analysis confirmed that social capital significantly mediates this relationship only in religious groups.

Conclusion. The effectiveness of the influence of religiosity on reproductive attitudes is determined by the type of social capital. The practical significance of the work lies in the need for differentiated policies: for students, the transformation of declared social capital into real capital through the creation of cohesive communities, and for the Cossacks, the support of an institutional environment that reproduces the traditional way of life.

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