Everyday Life of the Russian Rural Society and Factors of Its Depopulation

Abstract

Based on the results of the sociological researches, it is stated that traditional relations and values are preserved in rural communities of central Russia with emerging trends of their transformation in the direction of mass culture. The factors of depopulation of rural society are revealed: the outflow of young people and the aging of the population, the lack of jobs and the low level of development of small and micro-businesses, the lack of social infrastructure. At the same time, the prospects are noted, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the more complex epidemiological situation in large cities, the outflow of part of the urban population to the suburbs and rural areas. This process can potentially significantly increase the attractiveness of rural areas for living, contribute to their human development. However, this does not remove the threat of economic and cultural pressure on rural areas from cities and the loss of their attractiveness to young people. Among the mechanisms for the preservation and development of rural societies, the continuation of the digitalization of jobs and the promotion of remote employment, as well as public and private investments in the transport network, regional and local economies, and social protection are suggested.