The church as an institution of socialization: the role of the significant other in spatial anddemographic development (case study of the “We live for Russia” project)

Sociology

Abstract

The article analyzes the role of the Russian Orthodox Church as a contemporary institution of socialization in the context of spatial and demographic development of rural areas. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to identify effective forms of inter-institutional cooperation between the family and the Church in the process of socialization, which is particularly important for modern Russia with its demographic and migration challenges. The focus is on a group of “effective practices” identified during the implementation of the church project “We Live for Russia” (2020–2025), initiated by the Gorodets Diocese under the guidance of Bishop Augustine (Anisimov). These agents of socialization are characterized by stable life strategies, a high level of education, strong family ties, and pronounced spiritual and moral values. The study employed systemic, structural-functional, and sociocultural approaches as well as surveys, interviews, observation, and primary data analysis.  Special attention is paid to the mechanisms for forming a subject position and motivation for “rooting” in rural areas as well as to the role of the significant other in socialization. The project tested two models of socialization: superficial (visual-cognitive) and deep (personal involvement); a comparative analysis of their effectiveness was conducted. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of expanding the acquired experience and integrating the results into state and national programs aimed at the development of rural areas and the upbringing of youth on the basis of traditional values. The results confirm the potential of the Church and the family as key social institutions capable of effective cooperation for spatial and demographic development and the formation of civic identity.