Research data show that higher education in Russia is less of a vehicle of upward mobility than it was in earlier times, not least because it is becoming less of an advantage as the percentage of people with degrees increases. This raises questions about what the goals of higher education should be, and of how to prepare young people for the job…

The article examines theories of youth that have been proposed in the past few years by Russian scientists, and presents the author's original version of a theory of youth that is based on the thesaurus methodological approach. It addresses the ways in which biosocial characteristics may be reflected in new theories of youth.

Alcohol abuse in Russia among children is increasing, but programs to address this problem have not been adequately developed. The experience of other countries in equipping children to handle alcohol in a mature and safe way can be used as a basis for creating new programs in Russia.

Rural families in Russia are experiencing serious problems that are adversely affecting their children. There is an urgent need for concerted action by educators, officials, and local organizations to improve the lives and prospects of rural children.

The weak connection between Russia's system of higher education and the labor market in Russia requires that greater attention be paid to preparing students for successful, employment. This will require more careful research into best practices, and the development of more effective links between employers and educational institutions.

Improving the involvement of families in the lives of school students in Russia can be achieved through the use of electronic communication, but only if teachers and parents are given the knowledge and motivation that are necessary to make greater use of the Internet.

Survey data suggest that there are several models of sociocultural strategy used by Russian students, each with a specific hierarchy of values. A typical model is the traditionalist strategy, although the achievement-oriented strategy is also quite widespread.

Research on narcotics use among students in Russia shows that many are under pressure become involved, and that knowledge of and willingness to participate in clinics and other sources of help are not widespread.

Research on the ways that Russian college students in St. Petersburg view upward mobility shows that they typically want to achieve a higher social level than that of their parents, but that the ways in which success may be achieved differs according to family status and location of residence. (Contains 9 tables.)

The aging of the professoriate in Russia is a barrier to creating closer links between scientific research and teaching; it is making it difficult for Russian universities to improve their world ranking and putting at risk the future of the profession and the development of Russian society. (Contains 2 tables.)

During their university career, students go through a series of changes regarding their professional and personal development. Students may not be aware that this process is occurring, but universities need to make sure that the learning process is strengthened by taking this process into account in the design of instruction and coursework.…

In Belarus, the ways in which statistics are compiled, the complex rules for registering as unemployed, and the segmentation of the labor market and job-seeking activities, all combine to hide the actual levels of employment and unemployment. This in turn makes it difficult to develop appropriate and effective labor policies, and to have support…

Research on the opinions of Russian and French college students reflect different national views as to the qualitity of personality that are necessary for the head of a modern state. (Contains 1 table and 3 notes.)

Research data show that religion plays a role in the activization of extremist behavior among young people in Dagestan, but that it is a relatively small one. The usual kinds of expression of social protest over difficult material conditions and social injustice, along with manifestations of criminality, are finding religious justification in the…

Research data cast doubt on the assumption that the best universities in Russia are of a high quality and are graduating students who are well educated and ready to contribute to the development of the Russian economy and society. The dominance of Moscow in Russian higher education is not providing the benefits for Russia that it should be…