Value Priorities and Reproductive Attitudes of Students

Abstract

The student’s social ordinary attitudes concerning positive images are investigated. In 2018 there were interviewed 404 undergraduate students from one of the Moscow universities. Social attitudes were studied via the vignettes method – short stories, where the university students (girls and boys) acted as the characters in certain situations. Most respondents (more than 59.0%) approve of the student’s actions aimed primarily at successful higher education, mandatory higher education. A successful boy during the student period manages to combine study with work (part-time) and take responsibility for creating a family, while cohabitation is not approved. Students support the behavior of a girl who is ready not only to study, but also to work, if necessary – to become a breadwinner in the student family, whereas cohabitation for a girl is allowed. Depending on the circumstances, the ideal student is often associated with a rational, career-oriented person ready to delay the childbirth, even if it requires abortion. Abortion is also considered as a way out of a difficult situation: for example, when it poses a threat to your career (continuing your education and keeping your job), if you do not have the support of your family, or if you are likely to lose a loved one (including not saving your marriage). 30% approve of the actions described in the vignettes related to the refusal of studying. In general, for most students the basic values of the Russian society – creating a family and working – are a priority.