THE ROLE OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN REGULATING REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOURS: THE CASE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Adverse demographic forecasts force us to look for new ways to address issues related to human reproduction in Russia. One possible instrument for effecting change could be the education system. This paper presents the results of sociological and demographic research carried out over the last eight years. We surveyed entrepreneurs, public servants, and university students. The outcomes of the research highlighted the expediency of changing education programmes to include components that are focused on strengthening intentions towards reproductive behaviours among the population and building the requisite skills among trainees. Thus research conducted with entrepreneurs showed that business structures have significant scope to affect the demographic situation. Interviews with public servants showed a largely superficial level of competency and understanding as regards existing demographic problems and prospects for demographic development. Survey of university students showed that in the period of their studies it is possible to strengthen reproductive intentions and influence future reproductive behaviours. We have developed special programmes that would help boost their contribution to solving demographic problems. The implementation of these proposals could be an effective and low-cost means of managing the reproductive behaviours of the Russian population.