Vol 5, No 2 (2025)
Health, self-preservation behavior, and mortality
Reproductive Health and Reproductive Choice of Russian Youth
Abstract
Nowadays, birth rate is becoming increasingly medicalized, as it increasingly depends on the state of population’s reproductive health and fertility. This contributes to the expansion of reproductive health protection activities, which cover not only the traditional desire to avoid sexually transmitted infections, but also effective family planning, responsible parenthood, healthy offspring, etc. The authors’ survey of medical students (more than 75% of respondents are girls) of the junior courses of one of the Moscow universities, which began in 2024, supplemented by data from official state and industry statistics, showed that about 90% of them intend to have two or three or more children, but more than a third would like to become parents after 27 years, when the process of declining biological fertility of women has already begun. Although professional affiliation implied a good awareness of modern methods of contraception, in practice preference was given to traditional methods, and almost a quarter of respondents did not use contraception at all, citing contraindications or medical prohibitions. Every third woman allowed abortion, but only in exceptional cases, within the timeframes established by law and in a medical institution. The main results corresponded to the general Russian trends in reproductive regulation, which for young ages is aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancy and maintaining reproductive health for future births, and for ages of active reproduction includes additional measures to restore impaired fertility and minimize the risks associated with childbirth and the health of newborns.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):6-21
6-21
Demographic and Economic Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Russian Federation
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, as of March 2025, excess mortality from the COVID-19 pandemic in the world amounted to 7.1 million people, about 778 million people fell ill with a new coronavirus infection. The purpose of the article is to assess the demographic and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to globalization, countries have become vulnerable in biological, medical and economic aspects. The pandemic had a significant impact on the excess mortality of the population, but only a minor impact on the birth rate. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has gone beyond the direct impact on the morbidity and mortality of the population. Due to the introduction of quarantine measures, a decrease in demand for goods and services, in most countries there was a decrease in the level of gross domestic product (GDP), an increase in unemployment, and an increase in income inequality. The reason for the drop in a greater proportion of socio-economic indicators in 2020 is the introduced covid restrictions, rather than the demographic and medical consequences of the pandemic. The crisis caused by the pandemic is unique. Global GDP decreased by 3.4% in 2020. The decline in GDP was significantly affected by quarantine measures, but not by excessive mortality. The pandemic in Russia has had an impact on the economic behavior of households. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a migration collapse. A significant proportion of the victims are migrant workers.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):22-39
22-39
Life Expectancy in the Russian Far East: Dynamics of Spatial Differentiation
Abstract
The article considers the features of life expectancy in the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. The objective of the study is to analyze modern trends in life expectancy during the period of active demographic policy and to assess the contribution of age groups to the evolution of life expectancy (LE) of men and women in the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. The author conducted a statistical analysis of official data from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) on life expectancy indicators in the Far East as a whole, broken down by region, year, and gender. A decomposition of shifts in life expectancy of men and women in the regions of the Far East for the period 2004-2023 was carried out. It was found that the structure of the contribution of age groups to the growth of life expectancy of the population has significant gender and regional differences. For women, the main contribution to the growth of life expectancy is provided by older age groups from 60 years and older, for men, on the contrary, by younger age groups under 60 years. There are also processes of increasing differentiation in the indicators of life expectancy of the male and female population within the regions after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the maximum gender differences in life expectancy are noted in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the Republic of Buryatia and the Zabaikalsky Krai. It has been proven that in the context of increasing life expectancy in the Far East, there are processes of convergence in life expectancy indicators for women and divergence for men, which have been increasing since 2022.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):40-54
40-54
Demographics of the labor market
Problems of Employment of the Older Generation during the Period of Raising the Retirement Age in Russia
Abstract
The subject of the work is the balance of labor resources of the Russian Federation in the medium term, taking into account the specifics of employment of the older generation and other age groups of the population. The influence of the economy and other processes and phenomena external to the labor market on the employment of the population is considered. The relevance of the study is determined by modern changes in politics, economics and the demographic situation, including the reform of the retirement age, COVID-19, CBO and a sharp increase in defense spending. The aim is to test the traditional methodology of labor resource balance as a tool for integrating the flows of economic, demographic information and taking into account the political situation in the process of forecasting employment. As a result of the study, variant estimates and forecasts for 2025-2027 were developed for the number and structure of the Russian labor force, including the able-bodied population of working age, people beyond working age and migrant workers, employed and unemployed. It is assumed that in the medium term, the trend of economic growth will continue, which will gradually weaken pressure on the labor market, supporting the systemic shortage of labor resources that formed during the 2010s and 2020s, and create a base for employers to compete for labor and increase wages. The demographic situation in the medium term will consist of periodic increases in the nominal working-age population during the final stage of pension reform, which will not have a significant impact on the number of workers. The regulatory role in the number of labor resources and labor force will remain with external labor migration. Unemployment will remain at the current level, which tends to zero in the macroeconomic sense.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):55-70
55-70
Labor migration as a Factor in the Development of the Labor Market in the Arctic Zone of Russia
Abstract
The article conducts an analysis of labor migration as a factor in the development of the labor market of the Arctic zone of Russia (the AZ of the Russian Federation). At the present stage, despite the active development of technologies, including artificial intelligence, the complete replacement of labor with robotic systems, especially for the period of the “Strategy for the Development of the AZ of the Russian Federation and ensuring national security for the period until 2035”, is not possible for infrastructure and systemic reasons. The subject of the study is labor migration as a source of personnel support for the economy and the development of the labor market of geostrategic territories through the formation of the proposal of labor in the context of the shortage of labor resources and a decrease in the working-age population. The purpose of the article is to distinguish and analyze the factors of migration processes related to the functioning of the labor market of the Russian Federation and substantiate the feasibility of labor migration for the labor market and the economy of the AZ of the Russian Federation. The study hypothesis is that the regulation of labor migration in the development of the labor market of the AZ of the Russian Federation is not closed on economic factors but involves accounting for other institutional aspects. The study is based on the conclusions of researchers studying migration in the process of reproduction of labor resources, specialists in the field of labor market and personnel support of the economy. Using general scientific methods and methods for analyzing statistical data, migration factors in the AZ of the Russian Federation are systematized into economic, demographic and institutional groups. Institutional factors were allocated in terms of training in the vocational education system and migration programs in the AZ of the Russian Federation, playing an important role in regulating migration. The scientific significance of the results of the study is that the value is clarified and the feasibility of labor migration in the development of labor markets with disabilities with the disabilities of staff training is substantiated. Based on the analysis, recommendations are proposed to regulate labor migration in the AZ of the Russian Federation. The field of application of results is the scope of managerial decisions to reduce the imbalance in the personnel support of the economy of the Russian Federation due to the potential of labor migration, as well as career guidance work. The prospect of the study is to deepen and detail the processes of labor migration at the level of municipalities, considering the specifics of the ground boundaries of the AZ of the Russian Federation.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):71-83
71-83
The Impact of Regional Economic Integration on Socio-Demographic Processes in Uzbekistan
Abstract
The article examines the impact of regional economic integration processes in the post-Soviet landscape on socio-demographic changes in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Attention is focused on labor migration as one of the key problems. After the collapse of the USSR, Uzbekistan became the main donor of labor migrants in the region, which influenced the socio-demographic situation in the republic. Integration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opens new economic horizons, contributing to the development of Central Asian countries, but also creates challenges for migration policy and social infrastructure. The article examines both positive and negative aspects of integration in the context of the labor market, quality of life and demographic indicators in the Republic of Uzbekistan and neighboring states. Simplification of the visa regime and opening of borders contribute to an increase in labor migration, which, on the one hand, creates new economic opportunities for the population, and on the other hand, can lead to a shortage of labor resources and a decrease in the birth rate in the country. The article emphasizes the need to adapt state policy to new realities, including measures to support labor migrants and improve the standard of living of the population. In addition, strategies aimed at improving social security and creating conditions for the return of migrants are considered. Integration within the EAEU and other regional formats seems to be an important step towards improving the demographic situation and economic growth in Central Asia. To achieve sustainable results, it is necessary to consider not only economic but also social aspects, which will create conditions for harmonious and stable development of the region in the future.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):84-101
84-101
Regional demographics
Russia’s Demographic Problems in the Mirror of Chinese Academic Literature
Abstract
The analysis of demographic problems is relevant both for understanding the internal situation in the country and for implementing international cooperation in the field of demographic and migration policy. Russia is a long-term strategic partner of China, and the topic of its demographic development attracts the attention of a wide range of Chinese scientists. The article is devoted to the analysis of the main research directions of demographic problems of Russia in the Chinese scientific literature using the CiteSpace6.3 application. The source material for the analysis is 284 articles published between 1994 and 2024 in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. The purpose of the study is to identify structural and temporal patterns and trends in the Chinese scientific literature devoted to the study of demographic problems in Russia. It has been established that in the evolution of scientific research by scientists from China devoted to this topic, three stages of development can be distinguished: the initial stage (1994-2014), the transitional stage (2015–2019) and the modern stage (2020–2024). In addition, several influential Chinese scientists are working in the field of demographic situation research in Russia, however, the level of Their international cooperation remains limited. An ana-lysis of the keywords used in publications on this issue shows that the attention of Chinese researchers is most often attracted by: “low birth rate”,” high mortality”, “population aging”, “brain drain” and “Chinese migration”. Our results open prospects for further comparative analysis of the scientific literature on demographic challenges in Russia and China, which is of great importance not only for scientific, but also for practical work on solving these problems in both countries.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):102-119
102-119
Transformation of the Population’s Ethnic Composition in the Ethno-National Regions of Russia
Abstract
The article analyzes the dynamics of the ethnic composition of the population in the country and its ethnonational regions based on the results of the 2010 and 2020 All-Russian population censuses (inter-census period). The research methodology includes a comparative analysis of statistical data on the ethnic composition of the population, as well as an assessment of the contributions of factors such as natural population movement, migration, and shifts in ethnic identity, as documented in scientific literature, census data, and current records. The census data reveal key nationwide trends: a decline in the numbers of Slavic peoples, an increase in the proportion of North Caucasian ethnic groups, and a growing number of individuals who did not specify their nationality. Regional differentiation in the transformation of ethnic composition is identified across ethnonational regions of the Russian Federation: the republics of the North Caucasus exhibit natural growth among indigenous ethnic groups, while northern and Siberian regions show a decline in both the Russian population and small indigenous peoples. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for preserving cultural heritage, managing migration, and refining demographic policy. This research contributes to understanding the transformation of the ethnic population structure amid globalization and internal socio-economic changes in the Russian Federation.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):120-137
120-137
Territorial Identity and Migration Intentions of the Vologda Region Residents
Abstract
The article examines the territorial identity of residents of the Vologda Oblast and its relationship with migration moods. The study is based on data from the 2023 sociological survey “Sociocultural Portrait of a Russian Region” (2023 round). The findings indicate that a significant proportion of Vologda residents experience joy in living in their homeland and do not express strong migration intentions. However, despite this, one-third of respondents exhibit ambivalent feelings toward the region: while they hold a generally positive attitude toward their place of residence, they are dissatisfied with certain aspects, which makes them more open to the possibility of relocating in the future. Additionally, respondents tend to be more accepting of the idea of their children migrating, particularly to major cities and the capital. The analysis revealed that age and education influence migration attitudes, both in relation to the respondents themselves and their children. Younger individuals are more likely to consider relocating, while the older generation is more inclined to stay in their home region and, in more than half of the cases, expresses a desire for their children to build their future in the Vologda Region. Residents with postgraduate education are less likely to want to move themselves but are more supportive of their children migrating to larger cities. Respondents who are satisfied with their lives and feel secure about the future are more likely to want their children to stay in their homeland, compared to those who do not share such sentiments. The relevance of this study is heightened by the fact that parents play a significant role in shaping and realizing their children's migration attitudes. The findings highlight the importance of taking migration sentiments and territorial identity into account when shaping regional migration policy.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):138-156
138-156
Migration and migration policy
Evolution of Migration Policy in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union
Abstract
The subject of the article is the system of management of state migration policy in the context of Eurasian integration. The topic of the work focuses on the analysis of the mechanisms for coordinating migration processes between the EAEU member states. The purpose of the study is to identify the features and problems of existing mechanisms for managing state migration policy of labor migration in the EAEU, and to develop recommendations for their improvement. The hypothesis of the study is that improving the efficiency of managing state migration policy in the context of Eurasian integration should be based on the formation of a single migration space and the active implementation of digital solutions. The methodological basis is a systems approach to the study of migration and migration policy, a comparative analysis of the regulatory framework of the EAEU member states, a statistical analysis of migration processes and an institutional analysis of the activities of the Eurasian Economic Commission. The work uses data from the Treaty on the EAEU, scientific literature on the topic of the study. As a result of the study, key mechanisms for regulating labor migration within the EAEU were identified, existing problems in migration processes and their regulation were determined, and proposals were developed to improve the system of information interaction between the authorized bodies of the member states. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its results in developing strategies for the development of migration policy in the context of Eurasian integration, directions for digitalization of tools and mechanisms for regulating migration processes to increase their effectiveness. Prospects for further research are seen in the analysis of the impact of digitalization on labor migration processes and the development of new approaches to assessing the effectiveness of migration policy in the context of Eurasian integration.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):157-173
157-173
Counteracting Disinformation in the Field of Migration Management in Russia
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of legal support for countering misinformation in the field of migration processes. In the context of growing migration flows and increasing information threats, disinformation becomes a serious challenge to social stability and legal order. The study focuses on identifying legal mechanisms aimed at combating misinformation and their effectiveness in the context of migration processes. The aim and hypothesis of the study: to identify key legal tools and strategies to counter misinformation in the migration sphere, and to propose recommendations for improving legislation. The hypothesis of the study is that the existing legal norms are not effective enough to counter disinformation, which requires the development of new approaches and strengthening international cooperation. Methods and background data: the study uses methods of analyzing normative legal acts, content analysis of mass media and social networks, as well as comparative analysis of law enforcement practice in different countries. International documents (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, UN Global Compact on Migration), as well as domestic legislation regulating migration and countering disinformation were considered as source data. Results and scientific contribution: as a result of the study the main gaps in the legal regulation of countering misinformation in the migration sphere were identified. It was found that misinformation in this area is often used to manipulate public opinion and provoke interethnic tensions. The scientific contribution of the work consists in proposing specific measures to improve legal support, including the creation of international platforms for informing migrants, harmonization of legislation and strengthening control over the dissemination of inaccurate information. Scope of application of the results: the results of the study can be used to improve legislation in the field of migration and counteract misinformation, as well as to develop educational programs aimed at increasing media literacy of the population. The proposed measures can be applied both at the national and international levels to reduce the level of misinformation and strengthen interethnic dialog.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):174-197
174-197
Reviews and essays
Socio-Demographic Aspects of Integration Processes in the EAEU
Abstract
Scientific report «Integration processes in the Eurasian Economic Union: socio-demographic aspects. By the 10th anniversary of the EAEU», clearly testifies to the sufficient relevance of the study in connection with new trends in integration processes in the post-Soviet space, devoted to the study of the main trends in the demographic development of the Eurasian Economic Union, ensuring food security as a priority area of interstate cooperation, analyzing the practice of public organizations of the EAEU member states to ensure demographic security, assessing demographic and migration aspects of integration processes, the institutional and legal foundations of the demographic security of the EAEU and the results of Eurasian integration. The content of the scientific work corresponds to the trends of the time, since it reflects the authors' point of view on assessing the effectiveness of interstate cooperation and the implementation of strategic objectives for the sustainable development of the member States of the Eurasian Economic Union. It is noted that the economic union of five countries has brought many benefits and advantages in terms of facilitating and intensifying interstate trade opportunities, and the benefits from the functioning of the EAEU seem to be mutual for all member countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation. And strengthening the potential against the background of rapidly changing geo-economic realities is seen by the authors in the further expansion of the Union's international activities. The scientific report makes a significant contribution to understanding the complex socio-economic, political and ethno-cultural aspects affecting the process of Eurasian integration and offers effective approaches to solving emerging problems. The presented results may be useful to supranational regulators of integration processes within the EAEU, as well as state and non-state institutions of the EAEU member states, and their application will increase the effectiveness of integration processes, contributing to the implementation of the tasks facing the Union, and stimulate further research on integration in the context of Greater Eurasia. This report aroused a very lively interest among experts, received positive feedback and recognition from the scientific community. The necessity of conducting further research to study and solve a wide range of social, economic, and demographic problems is proved; the expediency of continuing further work is indicated, which consists in identifying opportunities for effective interaction between researchers and practitioners in the field of the EAEU and combining the joint efforts of analysts and practitioners working in the field of non-profit non-governmental organizations of Greater Eurasia.
DEMIS. Demographic Research. 2025;5(2):198-208
198-208