Cross-cultural marriages as a reserve of demographic development in Russia

Abstract

With the deepening of the process of globalization, the scale of interaction between different cultures, their interpenetration, mixing is expanding, which increases the possibility of cross-cultural marriages. The problems of the analysis of cross-cultural marriages in Russia and Iran seem to be an urgent direction for research. Cross-cultural marriages between Russians and Iranians serve as one of the significant elements of the process of rapprochement of two different cultures, and also contribute to the development of interest and tolerant attitude of Russians to the cultural traditions of the East. The purpose of this work is to analyze the attitude of Iranians and Russians to cross-cultural marriages against the background of the transformation of the desired family model, to identify the factors of the formation of cross-cultural marriages. The conclusions are based on the results of the International sociological study "Russian-Iranian marriages in the context of intercultural interactions", conducted in June-September 2021 in the cities of Russia and Iran by a team of authors. The sample size was 153 people, including representatives of different generations aged 18 to 60 years. The results of the survey revealed ideas about the model of family and marriage for residents of Iran and Russia. The study identified the main motives for concluding a cross-cultural marriage, the respondents' views on family relationships, as well as their attitude to the official registration of the status of spouses. A separate block of questions was aimed at studying the problems and living conditions of spouses in cross-cultural marriages, the need for special support measures. The attitude to cross-cultural marriages in society, both on the part of Russians and Iranians, is considered. The results obtained can be used in the development of strategies for the development of socio-cultural interaction between Russia and Iran. It is important to take into account the conclusions of the study as part of efforts aimed at smoothing out possible acute issues of interethnic relations; providing support to cross-cultural families in the process of adaptation and familiarization with the norms, traditions, customs of a new culture for the spouse.