MAY 15 – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES! FAMILY AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR OF SOCIAL STABILITY AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

May 15 is widely celebrated around the world as the International Day of Families. This date was established at the initiative of the United Nations and is one of the global initiatives aimed at supporting the institution of the family, strengthening its role and importance in society, and ensuring the well-being of families.

In the context of modern globalization, socio-economic transformations, and the expansion of the information space, the family is gaining special significance as one of the most important social institutions of society. In Uzbekistan, strengthening the family, preserving national and spiritual values, and creating a stable social environment for raising a healthy generation have been identified as one of the priority areas of state policy.

The Republican Center for the Study of Public Opinion “Ijtimoiy Fikr” annually conducts sociological studies dedicated to family relations, the state of the family, and existing problems. According to the results of these studies, the family is regarded as the most important social environment that ensures the socialization of an individual, shapes spiritual and moral values, personal worldviews, and social relations.

The research findings show that political, economic, and cultural changes taking place in society have a direct impact on family relations as well. Globalization processes, labor migration, the rapid development of information technologies, and changes in lifestyle pose new challenges for the institution of the family. At the same time, the issue of preserving and strengthening traditional family values is becoming increasingly relevant.

The statement of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, that “attention to the family is, in essence, attention to our identity” clearly reflects the fact that support for the institution of the family in our country has been elevated to the level of state policy.

According to the results of the studies, a significant share of respondents view marriage and family as a union based on love and mutual respect. Nearly one quarter of survey participants emphasized that the main function of the family is the continuation of the family line, the upbringing of children, and the formation of a spiritually mature generation. In addition, a certain share of respondents noted that they perceive the family as an important social factor ensuring stability for the future.

Sociological observations have also shown that young families today face various socio-economic problems. In particular, financial difficulties, issues related to stable employment and housing, as well as the process of adapting to independent life, have a serious impact on family relations. The studies note that economic dependence and excessive reliance on parents in some cases negatively affect young families’ ability to make independent decisions.

The studies also separately analyzed factors related to labor migration. According to the data obtained, labor migration, on the one hand, contributes to improving the economic situation of certain families. However, the prolonged absence of one parent from the family may negatively affect child upbringing, family relations, and the psychological atmosphere in the household. In particular, the possibility of weakened supervision over children, reduced emotional closeness, and the emergence of a number of problems related to socialization was noted.

The survey results once again confirmed that a stable atmosphere in the family is an important factor in raising children, shaping the spiritual development of young people, and ensuring social stability in society. Therefore, measures aimed at providing social support to families, preparing young people for family life, increasing women’s participation in society, improving the spiritual and moral environment, and preventing divorces are of particular importance today.

International Day of Families is not only a holiday, but also a meaningful occasion that serves to recognize the value of the family as the most important foundation of social stability, personal development, and national progress. A strong family based on love, mutual respect, responsibility, and harmony is the most important guarantee of a stable society and a prosperous future.