Release:
2025. Vol. 11. № 4 (44)About the authors:
Tatiana V. Gavrilyuk, Cand. Sci. (Soc.), Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of General and Economic Sociology, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia; tv_gavrilyuk@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3396-0959Abstract:
This article presents the results of a research project exploring the social well-being of contemporary youth employed in customer service. The concept of “social identity” is defined and indicators for its measurement are presented. The authors consider professional, civic, and class identities, as well as a system of shared family values, to be the fundamental components of social identity. The study is based on original empirical data, focusing on Tyumen youth from four of the most widespread professional groups: trade; consumer services and logistics; education; and healthcare, health promotion, and care. The article identifies and outlines issues related to the homogeneity and stability of actual socio-professional groups, as well as youth self-determination in terms of social status, civic responsibility, and family values. The study results indicate that almost half of young service workers do not consider their current job a life choice and are unsure of the stability of their current professional status. This suggests that young service workers are not only non-homogeneous but also unstable in their professional identity. Those working in consumer services and logistics are the most likely to identify themselves as service professionals, while only a third of young people in education are willing to view their work as a service. Most young people have a sense of their place in the social structure of Russian society, rightly identifying with the working or middle class depending on their job description, level of education, and professional training. The data demonstrate a high level of unity in the assessments of civic values among young people in this group. There is also solidarity among young people regarding the issue of historical memory and its importance for the development of modern society. However, only about half of respondents believe that only traditional family values are appropriate for our country.Keywords:
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