INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 07,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 750
ATTITUDE OF UZBEKISTAN’S YOUTH TOWARDS FAMILY: TRADITIONAL AND
MODERN APPROACHES
Mirzakhammadova Odina Mirzokhid qizi
3rd-year student, Department of Sociology,
Faculty of History, Fergana State University
Annotation:
This article analyzes the perspectives of Uzbek youth toward family, their views
on marriage, and the role of the family institution in the system of values from both traditional
and modern approaches. Globalization, technological development, and changes in gender roles
are shaping new trends in how young people perceive family life. At the same time, long-
standing traditions, customs, and mechanisms of social control continue to play a significant
role in Uzbek society. Based on sociological theories, surveys, and observations, the article
highlights youth attitudes toward family, the hierarchy of values, and emerging models of
modern family structures. Furthermore, the article offers scientifically grounded
recommendations for understanding and addressing the issue.
Keywords:
youth, family, values, traditionalism, modernity, gender roles, marriage, social
change, social institution, sociological perspectives.
Family is the cornerstone of any society, and its stability is a guarantee of societal
harmony. In Uzbekistan, the concept of family has been shaped over centuries by values such
as family unity, respect for elders, and strong familial responsibilities. However, due to
globalization, urbanization, and the growing influence of the internet and social media, youth
attitudes toward family are gradually shifting away from conventional norms.
From a sociological standpoint, this shift represents a transformation of social
institutions. This article focuses on how young people in Uzbekistan approach family life,
considering both traditional and modern perspectives.
In Uzbek society, the family has always been regarded as sacred. Proverbs such as "The
family is a small homeland" and "A united family ensures a united nation" reflect the cultural
importance of this institution. According to traditional norms, men are viewed as the heads of
households, while women are seen as nurturing mothers and loyal spouses. Respect for parents,
obedience to elders, early marriage, and having many children are culturally upheld values.
According to sociologist A. Azimova, "The traditional family model continues to
dominate the mindset of Uzbek youth, and this is clearly reflected in their attitudes toward
marriage" (Azimova, 2021).
While many young people consider marriage a primary life goal, their perceptions and
preparedness vary. Youth in rural areas tend to retain traditional values more than their urban
counterparts, who are more influenced by contemporary trends.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 07,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 751
Recent years have seen the rise of the following modern approaches among young people:
Delaying marriage in favor of education, career, and personal development;
Reinterpreting gender roles and promoting equality in family life;
Beginning relationships through social media platforms;
Emphasizing deep mutual understanding before marriage;
Prioritizing personal independence and professional success over having children.
These approaches are more common among urban, higher-educated youth who are familiar
with foreign cultures. According to sociologist Ronald Inglehart’s "Theory of Value Change,"
as societies progress economically and culturally, they shift from "survival values" toward
"self-expression values"—a framework that helps interpret these transformations in youth
consciousness.
Modern youth increasingly envision family relationships as equal partnerships. Women
aspire to financial independence and to actively participate in decision-making processes,
contributing to the emergence of a new family model based on partnership and mutual respect.
A 2022 study by the United Nations in Uzbekistan found that mutual respect, understanding,
social cooperation, and equality are essential for family stability among youth.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Youth Sociology Center under Tashkent State
University of Law:
68% of respondents view family as a key life value;
45% do not support early marriage, preferring to focus on education and career first;
37% believe that getting to know one’s partner well before marriage is important;
59% agree that women should have equal rights with men in marital life.
These findings reveal the coexistence of traditional and modern values in the minds of
Uzbek youth.
Today, various challenges characterize the attitudes of Uzbek youth toward family, arising
from the tension between traditional values and modern trends. Firstly, a significant portion of
young people lack sufficient knowledge and experience in matters such as marriage, family
management, and psychological readiness. This lack of preparation often leads to
misunderstandings, divorces, and social conflicts within family life. The failure to approach
family not only as a personal responsibility but also as a form of social preparedness further
deepens these issues.
Secondly, a conflict between traditional and modern perspectives is increasingly
apparent. On one side, parents and the older generation rely on customs and traditions in
marriage processes. On the other side, modern youth desire autonomy, the freedom to make
their own choices, and the realization of personal hopes and dreams. This generational gap
often results in miscommunication and misunderstandings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 07,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 752
Thirdly, persistent gender stereotypes in society—such as the idea that men must always
be leaders and women must be submissive—conflict with the principles of gender equality in
modern relationships. These stereotypes can be especially harmful for young women who lack
access to education or economic independence, leading to significant negative outcomes in their
personal lives.
A fourth major issue involves unrealistic perceptions promoted on social media. The
artificial and overly idealized portrayals of “perfect families” by bloggers and celebrities do not
reflect the realities of life. As a result, many young people develop misleading stereotypes,
which foster distrust, fear, and hesitation toward family life.
To address these challenges effectively, a comprehensive and multidisciplinary
approach is required. First and foremost, special educational programs on family psychology
and familial responsibility should be gradually introduced into schools, colleges, and
universities. These programs would not only increase young people's readiness for marriage but
also help foster a culture of healthy and conscious decision-making among youth.
The attitudes of Uzbek youth toward family reflect a complex social dynamic in which
traditional values intersect with modern approaches. While the cultural importance of the
family institution remains strong, the priorities, perspectives, and aspirations of the younger
generation are rapidly evolving. This shift places a new responsibility on society: to modernize
the family institution in a way that ensures its continued stability. Finding a balance between
preserving tradition and embracing modernity is essential for ensuring a sustainable and
prosperous future for today’s youth.
References:
1. Azimova, A. “Family Values and Youth Consciousness,” Youth and Society, 2021.
2. Inglehart, R. Cultural Evolution: People's Motivations are Changing, and Reshaping the
World, Cambridge University Press, 2018.
3. Youth Sociology Center under the Tashkent State University of Law. Sociological Analysis
of Family Values, 2023.
4. United Nations Uzbekistan. Youth and Family in Uzbekistan: Transforming Norms, 2022.
5. Parsons, T. “Family and Socialization: A Functionalist Perspective,” American Sociological
Review, 1955.
6. UNESCO. Changing Youth Perspectives in Central Asia, Paris, 2021.
7. Family Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Revised Edition, 2020.
