In a nod to what families are all about, researchers from the dating service Mamba surveyed Gen Z representatives aged 18 to 27 to learn how they picture forming a lasting partnership. The findings were shared with socialbites.ca by the experts behind the study.
Among these young adults, many men express a strong desire for large families. A significant portion hopes to have at least three children in the future, with a notable concentration of this view among men in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Interestingly, Russian women under 27 show a different pattern, with only about 13 percent imagining three or more children on their horizon. The survey highlights a clear preference for family growth, aligned with personal life goals rather than mere societal pressure.
When it comes to the timing of starting a family, a large share of participants feels that formalizing a relationship before a child arrives remains important. The data show that almost all who took part see marriage as a sign of serious commitment and love, underscoring the enduring value placed on this social institution. A sizable minority, roughly half of Gen Z, would even consider a wedding with the right person at a relatively young age between 18 and 22 if destiny feels right to them.
Among those who feel they have found their partner, roughly 38 percent of men and a similar proportion of women indicate they would propose after just a few dates if the connection seems right and the timing aligns with their life goals. In the realm of wedding expenses, the trend is toward restraint. Approximately 40 percent of respondents across genders say they do not see value in spending more than 500,000 rubles on a wedding. A sizeable share favors a simpler, more low key celebration, as reflected in their Pinterest inspired visions for the day.
Despite a global tendency to delay parenthood to later years, many young Russians still keep the idea of having a first child on the agenda before they turn 30. Half of the respondents think the window for parenthood opens most realistically between ages 21 and 30. A note of nuance appears for men who might reassess parenthood if their partner does not want children, suggesting personal circumstances heavily influence long term plans.
The survey also touches on motivations behind long term partnerships and the emotional stakes involved in deciding to start a family. The insights reveal how modern dating and relationship norms intersect with traditional expectations, shaping a unique portrait of generation Z across major Russian cities. The findings provide a snapshot of how young adults balance love, responsibility, and financial considerations in their plans for the future. These perspectives contribute to a broader conversation about family life in contemporary society and how couples envision shared futures. The information comes from the Mamba study conducted with Gen Z participants and shared by socialbites.ca for context and interpretation.
Overall, the discussion suggests a generation that values clear commitments, practical budgeting, and a thoughtful approach to parenting and marriage. The emphasis on timing, financial prudence, and personal choice indicates a shift toward relationships that are both meaningful and realistically manageable in a changing social landscape. Enduring questions about partnership, parenthood, and the role of marriage appear to be driving conversations among young adults as they navigate love and life decisions in the modern era. These trends illustrate how values evolve while still honoring the importance of family and companionship in contemporary life. The study offers a window into the priorities of Gen Z in Russia, with implications for how relationships may develop in the coming decade. Source attribution: Mamba survey via socialbites.ca.