CHANGING THE VALUE ORIENTATIONS OF ENGINEERING STUDENTS: IS YOUTH POLICY WORKING AT A RUSSIAN UNIVERSITY?

Abstract

The article examines the changes in the value orientations of engineering students in Russia in the period from 2023 to 2024. The relevance of this study stems from the active development of Russian youth policy, its growing role in Russian society, and the positive impact of informal cultural institutions on society’s socioeconomic performance, as demonstrated in scientific studies. The aim of this study is to analyze changes in the value orientations of engineering students. To achieve this goal, two series of surveys were conducted in 2023 and 2024 to measure the dynamics of student value shifts. The results indicate positive changes in the perception of the status of the engineering profession and confidence in financial stability, as well as an increased interest in self-employment and entrepreneurship. At the same time, there is a downward trend in generalized trust. As a result of the analysis, both positive changes and continuing challenges are revealed: students have become more likely to adhere to patriotic views, value Russia’s contribution to world culture more highly, and are less likely to indicate that they are choosing emigration as a long-term life strategy, but elements of a “crisis of trust” have also been recorded, as well as the persistence of negative attitudes towards “conservative” public narratives. The question is raised about the formalism in student responses and the impact of the effect of joining the majority, which can distort survey results and, consequently, influence the assessment of the effectiveness of current youth policy. The study of current youth policy requires a deeper analysis of students’ value orientations and the effectiveness of existing approaches. The study points both to the formal effectiveness of existing strategies and raises questions about the need to adapt youth policy to the strategic objectives and challenges facing Russian society. Further research in this area will allow us to assess the influence of the educational environment and the current media space on the formation of value orientations of Russian students.