Moscow, Russia - An academic and practical conference entitled "Towards the World Congress of Families and the XI International Congress on the Russian Family" was held on April 11, 2014 at the Russian State Social University. The event was initiated by the Russian State Social University, UPF, and the National Public Committee "The Russian Family" with the support of the Ministry for Social Protection of the Moscow region. The conference was attended by 70 professors, students from Moscow and other Russian cities, and representatives of NGOs.
{besps}/images/ftp_uploads/2014/russia/5881{/besps}In Russia, pro-family organizations are increasingly working to defend the priority of family and marriage, parents' rights and sovereignty of families, the right of children to live with a family with a father and mother, as well as the moral and spiritual foundations of society. The path chosen by Russia to resolve the demographic situation in the country is based on strengthening the traditional family in which father, mother and children make up its fundamental structure and framework. In many countries the norms of morality are being revised and sometimes the most important institutions of society are being abolished.
In such circumstances, the Russian Federation, which declared 2014 the "Year of Culture," can draw on its cultural and spiritual roots, where the family is the foundation for traditional values, lasting peace and harmony of civilizations, the primary and most important unit of society, and a tool for reconciliation and harmony.
The conference called the attention of scientists, politicians, youth and social activists to the challenges of demographics in modern society; solutions to the demographic crisis in Russia (which has a birthrate of 1.13); the role of intact families in the psychological, medical and economic well-being of the family, society and the state; and existing and future programs that can support family values and intact families.
The conference was moderated by the advisor to the rector of the Russian State Society University, doctor of historical sciences, professor, and director general of the National Public Affairs Committee "The Russian Family," Alexander D. Plotnikov, who opened the conference.
K.V. Krylov, secretary general of UPF-Eurasia, representing the non-profit and non-governmental sector, spoke on "The Role of NGOs in Promoting Traditional Family Values." After a brief historical perspective, he said, "About 20 years ago, when non-governmental organizations became active in our country, society was different. The removal of the Iron Curtain, the availability of previously prohibited resources, and the beginning of a frank dialogue both within Russia and between Russia and the rest of the world produced results. On the one hand, we experienced a gush of rampant immorality, and crime and corruption increased within the weakening state. However, there was another side that ensured the survival of our society: in the early 1990s we witnessed a tremendous spiritual uplift in the country, a strengthening of the position of religion, and a return to traditional moral norms. It was clear to everyone that the family was the foundation of society and that peace in the family meant peace in the world; the parents--a man and a woman--were the foundation of the family, which was grounded in the love of father and mother. These truths, though violated, were at least recognized."
He further stressed that few people paid attention to the imperceptible trend, which then seemed to be a curiosity, of fighting for the legalization of gay marriage in the west. Who would have thought in the 1990s that the issue would spread to dozens of countries? Moreover, few could foresee the consequences. Assessing the current situation, Mr. Krylov stressed that the problem has become much broader. Countries that recognized same-sex marriages have also been obliged to give them rights equal to those of traditional heterosexual couples. In such countries, traditional marriage becomes a union of any two people, and efforts to preserve the traditional family are regarded as a call to break the law. Thus, non-governmental and religious organizations promoting traditional values suddenly find themselves in a precarious position in such states. Everything that is considered lawful is fast becoming the moral law in the eyes of society. Those who preach the reverse are considered reactionaries. Thus, the activities of organizations defending the ideal of a healthy family, such as Universal Peace Federation in Moscow, with offices in Europe and the United States, are hindered.
Emphasizing the particular situation of Russia, Mr. Krylov continued, "The center of the quest to promote a healthy family and morality in Russia depends on the moral foundations of society remaining intact. Then our country can once again serve the world." Concerning the role of NGOs, the speaker said that a society with strong civil institutions is capable of preventing and resolving social epidemics. Large and small, formal and informal NGOs are important mediatory institutions in overcoming moral relativism. According to Fukuyama, they increase the radius of trust, making social capital more accessible to all. Civil society has a much greater potential impact on individuals than the state does. The most effective means of strengthening the family may come from the non-governmental sector rather than the state.
Mr. Krylov concluded his speech with the words of Nikolai Berdyaev: "Russia is destined to be the liberator of nations. This mission lies in its special spirit. And the justice of Russia's world mission is already predetermined by the spiritual forces of history." He urged the conference participants to help Russia carry out its mission in promoting the ideals of the family on the world scale.
Galina Klimantova, vice president of the "The Russian Family," head of the institute for retraining and advanced training of managers and specialists in the social protection of the people of Moscow, doctor of political sciences, professor, and corresponding member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, spoke on "National Action Strategy for Children in 2012-2017: Family Problems." She stressed that in talking about family issues, it is important to consider children's interests. She emphasized that issues of children's health and the socioeconomic status of families after the women’s maternity leave required special attention. Often employers are trying to get rid of women with young children, she said. It is also important to organize training courses for women during pregnancy and child care.
Dr. Klimantova also addressed the challenges of inter-agency coordination and the need to establish within municipal bodies councils for children and family affairs. Municipal reform is an important element in strengthening the family policy in Russia. She stressed the need for designing and developing a program to address the need for housing for Russian families. She also shared about another important initiative: creation of family child care-centers for mothers of three or more children, so they can care for children, earn a salary and increase their work record.
The moderator, Alexander D. Plotnikov, spoke on "Ethno-cultural Problems of Family Policy in Russia in Current Circumstances." He stressed that the family institution in the Russian Federation is unique because of Russia being a multicultural country. Dr. Plotnikov stressed that in the Soviet times, the family was considered an object to the state, and there were a lot of institutions that sought to replace the family; that is, the role of the family was often played by the state (school, etc.). He recommended public-relations initiatives designed to raise public awareness of this important institution.
Sergei S. Kuchynski, a member of the Council of the Assembly of Peoples of Russia and a associate professor of international cultural cooperation of the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts, spoke on "The Role of Culture in Shaping Family Values." He reminded people of ten years ago, when 90 million able-bodied people lost their jobs. As a result, the standard of living deteriorated, the birthrate declined together with morality, and social stratification increased. Globalization also has had an impact on the lives of many people, causing time pressures and reducing the time available to fulfill the roles of father and mother. As a result, for couples to have many children became a burden.
Life in metropolitan areas leads to a weakening of family ties, although it is known that a child raised in an intact family with many relatives is stable in adulthood. Another current challenge is migration, which leads to increased xenophobia. This, of course, does not help to strengthen families.
Stressing importance of the media, Mr. Kuchinsky said that few television programs show good examples of men in family roles. Typically, the ideal modern man is shown as successful, rich, lazy, etc., but not a family man. Popular culture has a very important in shaping people's views of what is truly important for our society.
Additional speakers:
Lev Mardakhaev, a doctor of pedagogical sciences, professor, member of the Association for Social Educators and Social Workers, head of the Department of Social and Family Pedagogy at the Faculty of Pedagogy and Youth Studies of the Russian State Social University: "The Parenting Position of Youth and Prospects for Family Stability."
Alexander Egorychev, a doctor of philosophy, professor of social pedagogy at Moscow State Pedagogical University: "Russian Culture: The Image of Women, Keepers of the Hearth."
Olga Borodina, a specialist in working with youth at Mosvolonter, the Moscow Resource Center for Development and Support of Volunteerism: "The Family in Modern Society: Features of Continuity."
Marat Nailevich Shafigullin, director of the Club for Humanitarian Cooperation, executive director of the project "Russia–Netherlands: New Challenges in Education," and a private teacher: "Global Trends and the Future of the Family: Demographic Spiral."
Maria M. Oleinikova, Law Academy student and member of the youth branch of the Association of Russia Lawyers: "The Family and the Law in the Modern World."
Anastasia Alekseechkina, student in the Social Work, Pedagogy and Youth Studies Department of the Russian State Social University: "Break up of the Traditional Family in Modern Russia: Ways and Conditions for Its Minimization."
Elena Kolsnichenko, a specialist in international relations at the Center for Working with Refugee Children and Internally Displaced Persons: "System-creating Values for Creating a Strong Family."
Lilia I. Romadan - chairperson of the Scientific Students’ Society of the Kazan Federal University, Young Ambassador of the Republic of Tatarstan in investment issues: "Interfaith Marriages in the 21st Century: Main Trends and Prospects."
Denis I. Lialin, student in the Social Work, Pedagogy and Youth Studies Department of the Russian State Social University: "Peculiarities of Reproductive Behavior of a Young Family."
Putintsev Ivan, student in the Social Work, Pedagogy and Youth Studies Department of the Russian State Social University: "Legal Regulation in Matters of a Young Family."