Internal migration as a consequence of regional differentiation in modern Russia

The article deals with the contradictory consequences of the processes of globalization and socio-economic modernization in the context of regional differentiation in modern Russia. The authors conclude that these processes destroy the established socio-economic order and people’s habitual way of life. First of all, it affects the so-called provinces - rural population and residents of small towns. Large metropolitan areas and industrial centers are becoming points of attraction. However, in the strategies for socio-economic and spatial development, the main directions of the social policy of modern Russia, scientific and practical discourses, small towns invariably remain in the shadow of large urban agglomerations. In this regard, it seems highly relevant to study the causes and consequences of internal migration processes in the country, as they are, in fact, a response to regional socio-economic differentiation. The most active, migration-mobile and statistically significant socio-demographic group is young people. Pilot study of the migration behavior of this age group of the small town population, conducted by the authors, allows to analyze the factors and causes of migration; to actualize the need to implement social state and regional programs that are aimed at reducing the territorial mobility of young people.