Social Activity Motivation of the Russian Young People . Marina Kubyshkina, PhD., Ass. Prof.

Investigation of the youth in Russia today Present-day state and tendencies of the Russian youth development (O.M.Zdravomyslov, E.G.Slutsky, O.I.Ivanov, others) Tendencies and prospects of the youth policy in Russia (E.G.Slutsky, Y.V.Kondratieva, G.I.Klemantova, others) Problem of the youth employment (Y.A.Zubock, S.P.Ivanenkov, I.E.Sazonov) Problem of the young people`s values, attitudes, personal and social identities, the factors and tendencies of their forming (V.A.Yadov, D.A.Leontiev, E.P.Belinskaia, others) Problem of the young people`s deviant behaviour (E.V.Zmanovskaia, Y.Guilinski, Y.R.Vishnevski, others)

The topic of our investigation What makes young people come to the spheres of high social activity? What personal motivation and social identities have young people who prefer different kinds of social activity? How does their high social activity influence their motivation, how does it change their personality? Can highly active young people have any problems of social adaptation? If they can, what are the problems and what must we do to help them ?

Methodological basis for the investigation Henry Murrey Abraham Maslow Victor Frankl Peter L. Berger Thomas Luckman Lev Vygotski Volf Merlin Alexei Leontiev Dmitri Leontiev Evgeni Ilyin Motive is a relatively stable personal disposition based on the person`s attitude to that object or phenomenon of the reality which makes him (her) some personal meaning

Social activity purposeful activity of social subjects (classes, nations, small groups, persons) aimed at the reorganization of the society and at the development of their own social traits

Social activities of the young people in Russia Political activity Trade union activity Voluntary activity Religious activity Activity in organizing leisure Subcultural activity Other

Groups of young people investigated in the project Young members of political parties (CPRF, LDPR, United Russia) – 79 respondents; Volunteers of 3 organizations (“Etas”, students rescue detachment of PSU, volunteer group of the rehabilitation centre for children with cerebral paralysis) – 68 respondents; Young people who are not disposed to social activity – 122 respondents; Young people who are inclined to construct a different social reality (group of history reconstruction- 48; gamers of “Night watch” or just “Watch” – 17 respondents)

Young politicians` activities Involving young people into the political life in Russia Stimulating the youth to join the political party Taking part in political meetings Representing the party at the municipal and regional events Help in organizing election campaigns

What is the political party for you? (the reasons to join it)

The main motives of the young political parties` members (personal dispositions) motive for power and social success seeking for rest and entertainment seeking for реорle`s approval motive for individual achievements

The identities of the young political parties` members assertive penetrating strong-willed clever sociable optimistic be in good term with people discuss difficult problems please people of the opposite sex I am I can

Possible problems of personal development and social adaptation of the young political parties` members tough-mindedness strong dominance absence of tolerance inflexible behaviour

Young volunteers` activities “Etas” - ecological education of people; defense of cultural and historic memorials, environment; students rescue detachment of PSU – preventing extreme, emergent situations in the buildings of the university; security at mass meetings and events; rescue people who lost the way in the wood; volunteer group of the rehabilitation centre for children with cerebral paralysis – help specialists to realize rehabilitation programs e

What is the volunteer organization for you? (the reasons to join it)

The main motives of the young volunteers (personal dispositions) motive for communication and interaction seeking for реорle`s approval social success motive motive for individual achievements

The identities of the young volunteers assertive human firm sociable be in good term with people persuade people I am I can

Possible problems of personal development of the young volunteers lost of values of environmentalism and social health protection (because they seldom see the support of them in the society) –”Etas”

The main motives of the young people who are not members of social associations (personal dispositions) self-realization motive seeking for rest and entertainment motive of individual achievements seeking for реорle`s approval

The activities of the members of the association “Armed Force” historical reconstructions making ancient Russian arms and other things concerning historical struggles training in mastering ancient Russian arms identifying with historical persons summer games

What is “Armed Force” for you? (the reasons to join it)

The main motives of “Armed Force” members (personal dispositions) sensation seeking searching for independence motive for help motive for getting good skills in ancient history reconstruction

The identities of “Armed Force” members a good fighter inquisitive firm strong use some ancient arms struggle in a team I am I can

Possible problems of personal development and social adaptation of “Armed Force” members weak identity with the family, present-day people of Russia weak interest to the problems of the society complete absence of seeking for реорle`s approval

The activities of the gamers of the association “Night Watch” competition in finding the way in the night town carrying out some tasks in limited period of time seeking for definite things or people while driving car all these are being done according to special game rules

What is “Night Watch ” for you? (the reasons to join it)

The main motives of “Night Watch“ members (personal dispositions) sensation and risk seeking leadership motivation motivation for having active rest and getting new impressions achievement motivation

The identities of “Night Watch” members assertive clever creative quick find the way out in any situation play in a team I am I can

Possible problems of personal development and social adaptation of “Night Watch” members Is it a problem? possible addiction to the game

Young people should have an opportunity to realize their motivation in ways that are acceptable in the society It is necessary to investigate social motivation and expectations of the young people

Thank You For Your Attention