Research of youth migration preferences in an old industrial region (by the example of Volgograd region)

Currently, most of old industrial regions in Russia are faced with the problem of the outflow of the working population, including young people. The outflow of human capital threatens not only with a long-term economic decline in economic development, but also with an increase in social tension within the “shrinking” old industrial region. The problem of the outflow of the working population and shrinkage of the working space is also typical of Volgograd region. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the migration preferences of young people (generation of centennials) in the Volgograd region, to identify stimulating and restraining factors for the migration from the region. The article attempts to prove, on the basis of statistical data that the Volgograd region is an old industrial region and analyze, based on a survey of young people how it shrinks due to their migration. Empirical data were obtained in the course of a survey of young people from 17 to 27 years old in Volgograd region. The survey was conducted in the form of an online questionnaire on the Google Forms from March 14th to April 2nd 2022. The study involved 976 students from 8 educational institutions of Volgograd. Comparison of the results obtained with the statistical data analyzed by the authors of the article made it possible to record the reluctance of young people to stay in Volgograd region due to economic factors and development problems. The key reasons for unwillingness to stay in Volgograd region are: low wages, problems with employment and lack of career growth. There is a huge lag in the needs of young people in terms of wages and real opportunities of employers due to the slowdown in economic growth in Volgograd region, which is forcing young people to leave for more developed regions of the country. Employers in the region cannot offer high wages to young workers, and young people are not ready to work under such conditions. The only factor that keeps the majority from moving is the presence of relatives and friends whom young people cannot leave. If new jobs were created in the region, the level of well-being of citizens increased, social infrastructure developed, and then the loss of the young population of the city could be stopped. The results of this study can be useful to officials responsible for regional development at both the regional and federal levels.