Volunteering of Russian youth in the structure of employment

The article is devoted to the study of volunteer activities among Russian youth as a special form of engagement and its role in the formation of human capital. The analysis is based on microdata from the 2024 Sample Survey of the Labour Force conducted by the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and covers a representative subsample of the young population (aged 15–35). Analytical methods include mean‐comparison tests (Fisher’s and Student’s criteria) and stepwise logistic regression, aimed at estimating the influence of predictors on the probability of participation in four main forms of volunteering: fundraising, territory beautification, animal assistance, and social work. The key findings indicate that young volunteers constitute 4.3% of the total youth population in the country. Irregular and informal forms of participation prevail. Volunteering activity increases among older youth groups. The analysis supports the hypothesis of a shift in the functions of volunteering at different stages of socialization. Rural youth are more frequently involved in environmental improvement and animal assistance, while urban youth are more active in fundraising. Women are more likely to participate in social forms of volunteering, whereas men are more involved in fundraising. Flexible employment types among youth (remote or informal work) increase the likelihood of participation in fundraising, environmental, and animal-related activities. Secondary and vocational education are more commonly associated with participation in social and environmental projects, whereas higher education correlates more with fundraising. Empirical evidence does not support the hypothesis of a direct link between youth volunteerism and the accumulation of human capital. The article also highlights the limitations and barriers in research and social practices related to youth volunteering.

volunteering, youth, human capital, employment, social activity