Abstract: The modern system of Russian general education is in a state of permanent crisis. The thing is that during the transition from the Soviet educational system to modern educational standards, all the fundamental foundations of the educational process were changed, while the new standards did not receive due verification. As a result, modern educational standards and programs are regularly adjusted, shifting the vector of study from one direction of school subjects to another. In this case, the most vulnerable element in the educational system is the subject of the educational process – schoolchildren, especially high school students – persons studying from 9th to 11th grade. The existence of a crisis in the education system is confirmed by a wide range of educational services on the market, ranging from private tutors to online schools for preparing for the Unified State Exam. At first glance, there is nothing surprising in the fact that a high school student goes to classes with a tutor or studies at an online school – this will allow him to successfully pass the main state or unified state exam and enroll in a particular educational institution on a budget. But at the same time, this means the fact that the knowledge that is given to the student at school does not satisfy the educational needs of the student, namely the key request regarding the successful passing of the state exam.

Keywords: sociological research, social problem, social processes, student youth, empirical sociological research, social monitoring, social institute, youth policy, sociological sciences, public opinion

Abstract: This article is dedicated to elaboration and testing of a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of state information policy in the field of increasing the level of public trust in financial institutions at the regional level. Based on the practice-oriented concept of state information policy in the field of increasing public confidence in financial institutions, the main theoretical principles and criteria were analyzed. A system of indicators to assess the effectiveness of this state information policy at the regional level was also presented. The conducted cluster and correlation analysis of the regions of the Central Federal District made it possible to rank them according to the level of socio-economic well-being, which allowed us to identify the Lipetsk, Ryazan and Moscow regions as objects for further testing of the elaborated methodology. In the proposed methodology, effectiveness assessment indicators were grouped into four blocks: 1) strategic planning and programming; 2) methodological and personnel support; 3) implementation of information policy; 4) effectiveness of government programs. The application of a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of state information policy measures in the field of increasing public confidence in financial institutions in the regions showed its average level in all three regions we selected. It was concluded that regions should more flexibly and effectively distribute their activities across all components and stages of the implementation of information policy, from planning (including long-term planning) for the implementation of these functions, to organizing monitoring of the effectiveness of ongoing activities.

Keywords: financial market, financial institutions, trust, politics’s efficiency assessment, state information policy, state program, region, strategic planning, monitoring, control

Abstract: The rapidly developing video blogosphere attracts a diverse audience, including children and young people. The latter consume both entertaining and educational content. The Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to the increased digitalization of education, as well as the development of educational video blogging. The purpose of our study is to analyze the self-presentations of educational video bloggers and their typology. Empirical research materials are represented by texts of expert interviews with teacher-bloggers (N = 10) and focus groups with schoolchildren (N = 69), as well as direct videos posted on the channels of 48 educational bloggers (240 in total). Analysis of the video, accompanied by the study of scientific literature and expert statements, made it possible to identify two main and four additional types of self-presentation of educational video bloggers – «expert», «practitioner», “entrepreneur”, “creative type”, “insider”, “experimenter”. Among the criteria for identifying these types: emotional techniques; use of teaching tools and techniques, including technical ones; linguistic means; expression of one's own position; dialogical; background design, choice of clothing, etc. The description of each type of self-presentation is accompanied by examples from selected cases of English-speaking and Russian-speaking educational bloggers. Typology can be used both for self-reflection by the authors of educational channels and for research in this area. Subsequently, the typology will be verified using the factor analysis method on the described sample of 240 educational videos.

Keywords: teacher, digitalization, self-presentation, communication, adolescents, educational video blog, video blog, school, blogosphere, education

Abstract: This article examines the problem of the effectiveness of digital participation, and sets the goal of defining criteria for measuring it and identifying factors that act as barriers to the implementation and achievement of full results of digital civic initiatives. The diversity of understanding efficiency is revealed in the context of the specifics of social processes and digital communications. It is shown that in the Russian and foreign scientific sociological field has not been formed a wide and substantiated experience and methodology for studying the effectiveness of online forms of civic activism, which determines the relevance of the research topic, as well as the need for a methodological solution to the problem. The empirical basis of the study is a survey of 16 experts in the field of digital activism from 8 federal districts of the Russian Federation conducted. The novelty of the work is related to the typology of the criteria for the effectiveness of digital participation, based on the analysis of expert assessments: effectiveness as effectiveness, effectiveness as the level of activity and involvement of citizens, effectiveness as development (creativity and innovation), social effectiveness and social effects, effectiveness as dialogue and the development of social partnership. Within each type there is a detailed description of the indicators and quotes from experts characterizing this performance indicator. It has been recorded that experts perceive the situation with the development of digital civic participation as dual, in which positive trends collide with barrier factors and conditions. Key factors-barriers have been identified: negative ideas about the effectiveness of digital activism, low awareness of the population about digital technologies and opportunities for participation, formalization and simulation of citizen activity, etc. Taking into account the results obtained, the prospects for future research are related to the study of the social effects of digital activism, identifying criteria for effectiveness in the assessments of the initiators and participants of activism, government officials and the media.

Keywords: citizen involvement, digital platforms, civil initiatives, expert survey, barriers to participation, effectiveness, participation, digital activism, social effects, social activity

Abstract: In today's multicultural world, the growing migration exchange transforms the historically established ethno-religious and sociodemographic structure of local communities, which can create the threat of increased inter-group tensions. These threats are particularly acute in border regional societies, where migration processes are characterized by higher intensity and the composition of the population is more heterogeneous, including religious attitudes and practices. The purpose of the study was to analyze the specifics of the conative (behavioral) component of the religious identity of the population of four border regions of Russia (Altai Republic, Tuva Republic, Altai Krai, and Novosibirsk Oblast). Sociological surveys were conducted in 2022 (N = 1862) by means of an online platform. Based on respondents' self-assessments of religiosity and Huber S. the Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS), a typology of respondents' religiosity levels was constructed using a two-step cluster analysis. It has been revealed that the religious behavior in border regions is syncretic and combines both religious rites and actions prescribed by the religion practiced and pseudo-religious practices. Several regional peculiarities were found: the population of Altai Krai and Novosibirsk Oblast is characterized by utilitarian motivation in carrying out religious practices, the religious behavior of the population in the Altai Republic is marked by an eclectic combination of religious and pseudo-religious practices. Religious behavior of the population of the Republic of Tuva is manifested in participation in religious ceremonies prescribed by the professed religion, the desire to consult with the minister of religion and receive his blessing in important situations of life.

Keywords: Tuva Republic, Novosibirsk Oblast, Altai Republic, Altai Krai, logistic regression, modeling, border regions, religious behavior, religious identity, religions

Abstract: In today's global economy, marked by intense competition, fast-evolving technology, shifting political dynamics, and ever-changing consumer tastes, innovation is crucial. It's not only a major driver for the prolonged success of organizations but also an essential requirement for their sustainable growth. However, despite the widely accepted understanding of the importance of innovation, stimulating innovative activity at the individual employee level often faces a range of organizational and psychological barriers, making this task quite complex and multifaceted. In this regard, this article conducts an in-depth analysis of gamification as an innovative and promising approach to stimulating employee innovative activity. The article explores four main strategies of gamification from the perspective of economic theories and management principles: methods based on incentives; methods focusing on competition; approaches that emphasize identity; and methods centered on recognition and feedback. For each of these methods, their advantages, limitations, and examples of real-world application in leading companies across various industries are presented. Additionally, the article emphasizes the strategic importance of investing in corporate education. The importance is emphasized that such investments not only enhance the skills of employees but also lay the groundwork for a culture of innovation. This culture, in turn, establishes the organization's long-term competitive advantages. The article proposes a comprehensive, flexible, and adaptive approach to the selection and application of gamification methods. This approach can be individualized and adapted in accordance with the corporate culture, strategic goals, and available resources of each specific organization, making it the most effective tool for stimulating innovation in the workplace.

Keywords: steady growth, organizational culture, economic theories, competitive advantage, corporate education, stimulation, motivation, innovations, gamification, efficiency

Abstract: The work is devoted to the study of the issue of quality of life management in the region on the basis of a new model presented by the National Social Initiative (NSI), as most consistent with the principle of human-centricity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the improvement of the quality of life of the population in the regions of Russia. The subject of the study is the models of quality of life management of the population in the regions of Russia. The actual basis of the study was made up of data from the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, data from the Quality of Life Rating in the regions of the Russian Federation, materials from the Smarteca digital platform, as well as official materials and data from the Employment Service of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The main constructs and a fragment of parametrization are given. Using the example of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the tools for analyzing and evaluating the quality of life within the framework of the designated model are described, and the results of content analysis of management decisions in the social sphere assigned to the region as the author on the Smarteca platform are also presented. Taking into account the identified problematic points, the current directions of development in the region are highlighted. Based on the analysis of the content of practices already replicated in the region, as well as the analysis of top projects presented on Smartec, some social management practices that are relevant in order to resolve the problems identified in the region are identified.

Keywords: human-centricity, National Social Initiative, employment, quality of services, public services, management models, quality of life, social problem, social sphere, management practices

Abstract: The article is devoted to the study of public attitudes by identifying beliefs and values, collectively shared meanings about the place and role of Russia and the "Russian World" in the modern world. It is based on the correlation of online survey data with All-Russian representative opinion polls and the involvement of the results of other studies. Most of the respondents are young people under 35 years old, constantly interested in politics, financially well–off, students or working in state institutions. A negative attitude to the collapse of the USSR and the change of power in Ukraine during the Maidan was recorded in more than sixty percent of respondents. The annexation of Crimea, the formation of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, and the entry of new regions into the Russian Federation in 2022 were positively assessed by two-thirds to three-quarters of respondents. There is an ambiguous attitude towards the special military operation and mobilization. In general, more than two thirds of the respondents are patriotic citizens who support the politics of the current government. It shows the coexistence of beliefs, at least of some respondents: on the one hand, the immanent acceptance of democratic institutions and traditions, relevant values, including the protection of human rights, on the other, the support of the state discourse of confrontation with the "collective West" – the source of these cultural and law ideas. The factors bearing the unifying potential for modern Russian society, in our opinion, can be expressed in such beliefs as: "Russia is an empire", "Russia is a great (world) power", the strong state that you can be proud of. The Russian idea (in the ethnic sense), a special civilizational, Orthodox identity, Messianism have fewer supporters.

Keywords: mobilisation, SMO, online survey, attitude to historical events, special military operation, Donbas, The Russian World, Russia, youth, beliefs and values

Abstract: The subject of the study is public opinion about the activities of non-profit organizations. The third sector in modern conditions of social development plays a key role in social support for citizens. Low awareness of the work of NPOs, as well as a low level of trust on the part of the population, do not fully allow non-profit organizations to be actively involved in solving social problems in the region, to reveal the possibilities of effectively compensating for imperfections in public services, and to increase self-sufficiency and self-employment of the population. The purpose of the study was to study the perception of the activities of non-profit organizations by society, as well as to compare the results in different regions of the Russian Federation. The study was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the results of a survey of citizens of Russian regions (Irkutsk region, Republic of Buryatia) about their ideas and perceptions of the activities of non-profit public organizations were analyzed. At the second stage, an analysis of similar studies in other territories was carried out. Based on the study, the following conclusions can be drawn: the study showed that, in general, the population of the studied regions of the Russian Federation is aware of the activities of non-profit organizations, however, the lowest level was identified among residents of the Irkutsk region, while residents of the Republic of Buryatia and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra showed higher awareness. It should be noted that the surveyed residents more often use «social networks» as sources of information about the ongoing work of NPOs. Based on the results of the analysis, a list of recommendations was formulated for the management of non-profit organizations.

Keywords: population, sociological research, public opinion, social problems, social services, charity, non-profit organizations, public organizations, charitable foundation, online survey

Abstract: The article examines the features of changes in the social service system with an emphasis on the practice of social work in the context of pandemic and post-pandemic challenges. The theoretical basis of the work is the concepts of sociology of professions and occupations, pandemic reality and emotional labor. The professional community of social workers is understood in the form of a "supportive" profession that provides social care services in order to solve acute social problems by providing assistance to the most vulnerable categories of citizens (the disabled, the elderly, people with disabilities). Particular attention is paid to the impact of preventive measures and information policy aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus infection, which significantly affect professional activities, the sense of subjective security of social professionals and clients served, the possibilities of urban mobility, access to various organizations and resources. The empirical basis of the conducted research consists of semi-structured interviews with specialists of state and non-state social organizations. Based on the analysis of the data obtained, the key aspects of the professional activity of specialists that have undergone the greatest changes are presented. The interrelation of official and informal professional rules, the importance of the emotionality of the work of specialists operating in conditions of uncertainty, as well as the specifics of the provision of social services under the influence of administrative and legal regulations justified by medicalized discourse are revealed. The high importance of the social service system and the demand for specialists, manifested against the background of the diversification of the social sphere, as well as urgent problems for existing social workers, such as insufficient wages, shortage of personnel, high bureaucratization of labor and rapid restructuring of work functions, were noted. Special attention is paid to professional skills in managing emotions used in the process of interaction of specialists with clients, which is defined as an effective strategy used in the practice of social work.

Keywords: of the population, groups, vulnerable, post-pandemic, pandemic, professional group, semi-structured interviews, social work, social service system, challenges

Abstract: This article presents the results of a content analysis of jokes about the COVID-19 pandemic published on various social platforms. The purpose of the study is to identify common sentiments and main themes among the masses in the context of this crisis. The research method was a content analysis of 400 jokes published on various social platforms and Internet sites. The analysis was carried out in two stages. Thus, at the first, anecdotes were studied that reflected a direct relationship to politics, government, and certain political figures, while at the second, anecdotes related to the inconveniences that appeared in everyday life, in connection with the introduction of restrictive measures, were examined. According to the results of the content analysis, jokes about coronavirus infection can be considered as an important tool for studying public opinion and identifying the main difficulties faced by people during the pandemic. Since such humorous statements often reflect the general mood of society and, in general, people’s attitude towards the current situation, they help cope with stress and anxiety in a difficult situation. Thus, during the pandemic, jokes were more often used in the context of criticism of government authorities and specific political figures, expressing an “against” position on the issue of vaccination. And also in order to ridicule restrictive measures, namely, jokes about wearing a mask, using a QR code, lockdown, remote mode during work or study, and penalties are highlighted. Note that the article also raises other topics, which include: fear and anxiety about possible infection with COVID-19, humor on the topic of self-isolation and remote work or study.

Keywords: sociological research, public opinion, humor, QR code, content analysis, personal protective equipment, lockdown, vaccination, anecdotes, COVID-19 coronavirus infection

Abstract: The article considers the material provision of citizens of retirement age and their compliance with real needs. The purpose of this study was to analyze the social challenges of modern pension reform, the subject is the standard of living of pensioners of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The object of the study is pensioners of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The author examines in detail such aspects as the standard of living of pensioners, the real pension size in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the average pension size in the subjects of the Volga Federal District, the level and structure of household income, the health status of pensioners, the problems that cause the greatest concern among residents older than working age living in urban areas, the problems that cause the greatest concern among residents over working age living in rural areas, types of households eligible for social services by age. As a methodological basis of the study, the results of a sample observation of the income of the population and participation in social programs in 2021 and the results of a comprehensive survey of the living conditions of the population in 2021 conducted with the participation of the author were used. As a result, the author concludes that in the conditions of the new pension reform, the social challenge is the low standard of living of pensioners, the growth of whose number in the future will cause the expansion of the social localization of poverty. One of the main results of the study was the identification of the main problems of the standard of living and pension provision in the Republic of Bashkortostan. It is necessary to carry out regular monitoring of the purchasing power of pensions and the total incomes of pensioners. The development of state decisions to improve the level.

Keywords: pensioners, poverty, capita gross domestic product, consumer budgets of the population, social quality standards, the quality of life, pension, standard of living, income, health