Yudina T.N., Volkova O.A. Socio-demographic Competence as a Systemic Element of Training Sociologists: An Integrative Model and Ways of Formation. Bulletin of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Series: Sociology. 2026. Vol. 26. No. 1. Pp. 178-189. DOI: 10.22363 ...

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: https://journals.rudn.ru/sociology/article/view/49838 (дата обращения 17.06.2026)

Abstract

The article explains the importance of the targeted development of sociologists’ social-demographic competence in the system of professional training. The authors propose a definition and an integrative model of this competence, including cognitive, instrumental, analytical-interpretative and value-reflexive components. The article is based on the analysis of educational standards, curricula of leading universities and interviews with teachers and students and reveals the fragmented nature of sociologists’ social-demographic competence: its elements develop incoherently - through separate courses and practical training, theoretical knowledge is given in disciplines on demography and social statistics, without integration into the general sociological cycle; skills in analyzing empirical data are formed through separate modules and disciplines in SPSS, Excel, etc., without connection with demographic and statistical calculations; practical sociological skills are formed through elective courses or student projects, without mandatory internships or practical training at demographic centers. This fragmentation results in basic knowledge without abilities to comprehensively model demographic scenarios or conduct interdisciplinary research. The authors insist on the need for an integrative model for the holistic development of sociologists’ social-demographic competence, including the restructuring of educational trajectories on the basis of cross-cutting project modules and case studies, agreements for student practical training at demographic research institutes and laboratories, and the use of such updated textbooks as Social Demography.