Image of the family in European and Russian cultural tradition

The article covers some issues regarding the development of the image of the family in European and Russian cultures. The family is considered as a biological, psychological and social system, establishing certain realities that perform various functions. The study reveals that in Western European countries rational behavior regulators dominate in family and marriage relations, while in Russian families spiritual and moral values traditionally act as behavior regulators. The authors identify the main trends and factors in the transformation of the image of the family in Europe and Russia: a decline in births, a change in family size, an increase in the openness of the sexual sphere, and tolerance of premarital sex. Overcoming such tendencies is seen in the revival and strengthening of the traditional family on a new basis, taking into account the spiritual component, in the preservation and enhancement of family values. The authors conclude that the revival of the institution of the traditional family helps to strengthen not only the family, but also society