Self-realization of youth in region institutional environment

Abstract

Background. Modern youth shows desire for success and self-realization in vari-ous spheres of life. Their achievement is directly related to both personal resources and institutional conditions that facilitate or hinder the realization of the life goals and plans of young people. At the same time, youth self-realization on the one hand, helps to meet their individual needs; on the other hand, it is important for progressive development of society. The purpose of the study is to sociological analyse the features of self-realization of the most active social group – students – in region institutional environment. Materials and methods. The article uses data from all-Russian studies (VTsIOM, FOM, ZIRCON), regional studies, as well as materials from the author’s survey of student youth of Penza universities (2026, n = 720) and data from focus groups with Penza students (2026) on problem of youth self-realization and assessment of opportunities for their self-realization in Russian regions. Results. This article presents theoretical analysis of the concept of “self-realizationˮ and identifies its main dimensions. Based on the author’s research and second-ary analysis of nationwide survey data, sociological analysis was conducted of the key structural components of student self-realization and conditions created in the country and region that facilitate young peopleʼs self-realization. Conclusions. The analysis showed that structural “coreˮ of motivational basis for youth self-realization includes material well-being, favorite work and family. Among the procedural aspects of self-realization among modern youth are their own efforts and dedication. While appreciating opportunities and conditions created in Russia and its regions, Penza youth have low estimates of areas relat-ed to obtaining good jobs with high salaries and career growth. Students with high financial status and from highly educated families are more likely to characterize conditions for self-realization in the region more highly.