Pro-Natal Policy in Search of Unconventional Solutions

The problem of declining birth rate in Russia is posed and possible solutions are explored through the search for new policies. Objectives of the study: to analyze the demographic situation over the past few years; to conduct a statistical assessment of the growth reserve of births from remarriages; to consider measures to create opportunities for single people to find a couple, including remarriages. The analysis of changes in the number of marriages and divorces on the territory of Russia has revealed a significant proportion of people in unregistered marriages. The study of Rosstat data for the last decade revealed that the age category of 30–34 years and older is the most promising for remarriage. However, the high childcare burden on mothers and the underdeveloped paternity leave system in Russia act as deterrents to planning more children. To identify effective practices, foreign experiences in fertility stimulation were analyzed. The results of the study indicate a wide range of measures, from strict to milder, and the possibility of adapting some of them to develop recommendations aimed at increasing fertility in Russia. The findings of the study emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to solving this problem, since material incentives and harsh measures, as the practice of other countries has shown, are not effective. Now, material incentives for fertility prevail in Russia, but attention should also be paid to the creation of organizational opportunities for people who want to find a couple and build a family– this topic needs further development.

fertility, demographic policy, average age of mothers, human capital, total fertility rate, non-standard demographic practices