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PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF YOUTH READINESS FOR THE
MODERN KARAKALPAK FAMILY
Suletbaeva Ella Serikbaevna
Associate Professor, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in
Psychological Sciences.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15624016
Abstract:
This article explores key psychological and social factors
influencing youth readiness for family life amidst the transformation of the
modern Karakalpak family. It analyzes the changes in traditional institutions —
the family, mahalla (community), and educational institutions — and their
impact on the development of family values among the younger generation.
Emphasis is placed on the need to integrate ethno psychological traditions with
a modern approach to family upbringing.
Keywords:
Karakalpak family, youth, readiness for family life,
psychological factors, mahalla, urbanization, ethno psychology, upbringing.
In recent decades, amid profound social transformations, there has been a
decline in the influence of the family as an institution of upbringing. Despite
positive developments such as the growing independence of women, the
achievement of gender equality, and expanded opportunities for personal
fulfillment, modern families often lose their role as a model for the younger
generation.
The national family is under threat of losing traditional values. An example
can be seen in the modern Turkish family, where a growing conflict arises
between men's desire to preserve traditional roles and women's demands for
legal equality. This contradiction often leads to an increase in domestic violence
and the loss of ethno psychological characteristics of folk culture. As the saying
goes, wise people learn from the mistakes of others.
One of the significant factors in traditional upbringing — including the
preparation of youth for family life — is the institution of the mahalla, which has
historically served as a mechanism of social control. In the context of
urbanization and the growth of high-rise residential construction, social
interaction among residents has declined, leading to alienation and a reduced
educational potential of local communities. However, in rural areas, the mahalla
still retains its functions, and the government is taking steps to further
strengthen it as an institution of public control and monitoring.
In this regard, it seems reasonable to scientifically and normatively
conceptualize the role of the mahalla and the wider public in preparing youth for
family life. Traditionally, the mahalla actively participated in resolving family
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issues, coordinating celebrations, and engaging in the educational process.
Reviving the council of elders and folk traditions may help restore the
educational potential of local communities and reduce negative social trends.
Table 1
.
Factors Influencing Youth Preparation for Family Life
№ Factors
Realized Potential Usage
1
Parental Family
33%
2
Educational Institutions
20%
3
Out-of-School
Organizations (e.g., sports
clubs)
4%
4
Mahalla
Significant hidden potential, but the
lowest level of participation in preparing
youth for family life
The results of an empirical study conducted using a proprietary
questionnaire indicate that the greatest influence on the formation of readiness
for family life comes from the parental family (approximately one-third of the
realized potential). Educational institutions rank second in terms of impact, but
their potential is utilized only at 20%. Out-of-school organizations exert minimal
influence (4%). According to respondents, the mahalla shows the least
involvement in preparing youth for family life, despite its considerable hidden
potential.
Today, in our view, this issue cannot be resolved without a comprehensive
approach in which the family (especially the parental family) and educational
institutions (such as schools) must play a leading role—not just in theory or
academic research, but in the real life of society, the individual, and the nation.
Modern sociocultural processes—such as declining birth rates, rising
divorce and suicide rates, the weakening of family values, and migration—
intensify the challenge of preserving and strengthening the institution of the
Karakalpak family. The task of preparing youth for family life, taking into
account both ethno cultural traditions and modern challenges, has become
particularly urgent.
The modern Karakalpak family possesses significant potential for preparing
youth for family life; however, this resource remains underutilized. The family,
school, and mahalla must become the leading institutions in the formation of
family values—not in words, but in practice. It is essential to halt the thoughtless
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imitation of Western models that disregard the ethno psychological and socio-
economic characteristics of the region. A comprehensive approach to family
policy is required—one that is grounded in tradition, supported by scientific
approaches, and responsive to contemporary challenges.
Literature:
1.
1001 Questions – 1001 Answers from a Psychologist: Methodological
Guide / G. Shoumarov et al. – Tashkent: Bookmany Print, 2023. – 282 pages.
2.
Ethnic Psychology: Textbook / Edited by P.N. Ermakov, V.I. Pishchik. –
Moscow: INFRA-M, 2024. – 317 pages.
