The article attempts to analyze the reflection of the local population, in particular young people, on the reference points formed in the society, the results achieved, and the policy pursued by the authorities. Understanding the socio-cultural features of socio-demographic groups is important for creating an up-to-date base that can be used in the formation of decisions by managers. The article presents the analysis of the results of monitoring the Vologda Region socio-cultural development conducted by Vologda Research Center of RAS in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023. The aim of the study is to analyze the transformations of socio-cultural characteristics of young people in the region. The paper shows the territorial identity and migration attitudes of young people, their social environment, main reference points and characteristics of activity. We consider the transformation of the value structure of the group under consideration in 2008 and 2023 in detail. The research determines the differences between the groups of young people aged 18–24 and 25–35 years in terms of support for basic terminal and instrumental values. Young people show significant commitment to their small homeland and region of residence, which is manifested in their civic activity; they demonstrate cultural activity, and most often find mutual understanding among their relatives. The value structure of young people is changeable. It was transformed during 16 years of observation, and the changes were multidirectional: the traditional value of family decreased, but the importance of tradition as such increased. Among universal human values, the importance of well-being increased, but the value of work decreased. Within the framework of post-traditional values, human life is steadily defined as an integrating core, at the same time the value of initiative is reduced. Practical significance is determined by the possibility of using relevant data on regional youth in the creation of youth policy instruments
Keywords
socio-cultural characteristics, youth, identity, value orientations, social environment, attitude to the region, regional community