Large Families in Regions: Mechanisms of Exclusion and Stereotypes

Abstract

The main problem with large families is their social vulnerability caused by exclusion, the latter referring to the restriction of access to public benefits, the inability of people to participate in important aspects of social life. This study aims at identifying social stereotypes which intensify exclusion and (or) prevent the inclusion of large families. The study is based on data from surveys of the population of the North-Western Federal District conducted by VolRC RAS in 2016–2017, as well as materials of qualitative research (focus groups with multi-child parents). As a result, various mechanisms of exclusion (social, economic, personal) and social stereotypes corresponding to each mechanism are defined. The author classifies families with many children by their degree of social exclusion, taking into account the risk of limiting access to various resources. The study shows that mothers with many children face a heightened risk of exclusion. The study reveals stereotypes of parents with several children regarding their willingness to change the situation, while identifying factors that prevent inclusion in labor activity: “alienation”, “external reasons”, “personal characteristics”. The analysis shows that widespread practices of social inclusion include hopes for state support, believing in a lack of effective mechanisms for solving employment problems, a lack of benefits from social support and a decrease in the attractiveness of altruistic ideas in society. The novelty of the results lies in identifying the groups within multi-child families that differ in the level of risk of exclusion, as well as in the contribution of social and personal mechanisms to their exclusion, and indentifying the resources for inclusion among large families.