Marriage Structure of the Population of Udmurtia in 1989–2021

Introduction. The article presents, for the first time, a historical and demographic study of the marital status of the population of Udmurtia from 1989 to 2021. The relevance of the topic is due to its insufficient study and the need to understand the reasons behind the sharp decline in the Udmurt population over the last two inter-census periods. The aim of the research is to identify the characteristics of changes in the marital structure of the Udmurt population in the Udmurt Republic during the period from 1989 to 2021. Materials and Methods. The methodological foundation of the study is based on general scientific methods such as analysis, comparison, induction, and deduction. The following specialized scientific methods were also applied: comparative-historical, chronological, and statistical. The source base includes both published and unpublished census materials. Results and Discussion. After reaching its peak in 1989, the population of Udmurts, as well as the proportion of those who are married, began to decline. However, among the Udmurts, the latter indicator decreased less significantly compared to the entire population of Udmurtia. Despite the widespread increase in cohabitation, it is too early to speak of informal relationships replacing the institutions of marriage and family. Moreover, current trends indicate growing trust in official marriages. Since 2002, both the number and proportion of those who have never been married have decreased. Marriages among Udmurts were more stable, as evidenced by the lower proportion of divorces. Conclusion. Compared to the overall population of Udmurtia, the marital status of the Udmurt people was characterized by a lower proportion of divorced individuals, the absence of cohabitation trends, and fewer instances of remarriage. Largely due to these factors, the birth rate among the Udmurt people is higher. However, certain factors, such as the increasing proportion of divorced/separated individuals and the growing number of widowed Udmurts, raise concerns, highlighting the need for improvements in state policy regarding family and marriage.