Factors of Moscow Youth’s Separation from Their Parental Families

Abstract

The process of separation from the parental family is an integral part of the socialization process, during which the individual learns to process and reproduce previously learned social practices. Moreover, the result of such a socio-psychological process directly affects the degree of maturity and independence of the individual. The article analyzes the process of separation of Moscow youth from their parental families. The purpose of the study is, on the one hand, to reveal the concept of “separation” in a sociological manner, and on the other, to discover factors influencing the process of separation of the younger generation. The work also formulates the division of separation factors from the parental family into macro and micro levels. As part of the theoretical review, sociological works studying the socialization of youth and family socialization are analyzed; psychological works that reveal the essence of the process of separation from the parental family. Key aspects of the external and intrafamily environment that determine the acquisition of autonomy and adulthood are highlighted. A hypothesis is put forward about the influence of the family, its financial situation, living conditions and the nature of relationships, as well as the gender and age of young people on the acquisition of autonomy. Internal separation is studied separately as a process of acquiring emotional autonomy, and external, the essence of which is a change in role set and the formation of behavioral independence. To test the proposed relationships, the authors conduct an empirical study of Moscow youth using an online survey with a sample of 324 people, as a result of which factors of internal separation are identified: family composition (presence of a mother), warmth of family relationships. The latter aspect especially influences the development of personality, but at the same time prevents young people from developing their own life goals. External separation is determined by the financial situation of the family, gender, age of the respondent, and whether he or she has a job. In general, both internal and external separation are somewhat more pronounced among men aged 26 to 30 years: they are more often employed, have independence of judgment and are more adapted to everyday self-care. At the same time, women experience difficulties in acquiring emotional autonomy: they are less likely to feel confident in the decisions they make, more often they are afraid of disappointing their parents and consult with them. The results obtained during the study can be used by scientists studying the process of growing up, psychologists for private and family therapy, and government officials as part of planning youth and demographic policy. The research topic has the prospect of additional study using qualitative sociological methods, allowing us to reveal in more detail the essence of the relationship between the parent family and their growing children.