The influence of religion on motivation to procreate: a sociological study

Abstract

The demographic situation in Russia is sounding the alarm. At the sessions of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, demography has been identified as one of the main problems at the present stage. At the state level, a sufficient number of measures are being taken to provide social and material support to families with children as an incentive to procreate. Nevertheless, the problem of demography continues to be acute. The research attempts to study the problem and find ways to solve it from a sociological point of view. The author analyzes scientific studies devoted to the problem of motivation to procreate and the influence of religious beliefs on it. The results of interviews with spiritual mentors who identify a spiritual crisis that hinders the development of family and child relations have been conducted and analyzed. The study has formulated conclusions about the growing influence of religious associations and spiritual mentors on strengthening family values. Spiritual mentors have formulated proposals to overcome demographic problem based on the strengthening of traditional spiritual and moral values. The author concludes that Orthodox and Muslim spiritual mentors see common trends and problems of demography in the modern world. The results can be used in the implementation of socio-demographic programs.