Matrimonial structure in context of demographic situation

The article focuses on the analysis of nuptiality as a demographic process and its correlation with the birth rate and reproductive behavior of the population. The study is based on the official data obtained by the All-Russian Population Census conducted in 2002 and 2010, national statistics, and results of sociological studies carried out by scientific centers. The reasons for current demographic situation are examined based on the principles of two concepts: the theory of the second demographic transition and the institutional theory. Popularity of civil marriages, low standards of living, housing problems, as well as weak trust in demographic measures undertaken by the government lead to instability in the population growth characterized by low birth rate and poor health. Northern territories including Karelia have become a subject of these negative tendencies. The most important steps aimed to improve demographic situation in the region are underlined. They are: decrease of labor migration, elevation of the standards of living and comprehensive support of dysfunctional families.