Keyword: «refusenik mothers»

Refusal of mothers from newborn children is a common socio-psychological phenomenon in the Russian Federation. Various life practices of refusenik mothers’ behavior are a source of orphanhood and a factor in the deformation of socio-psychological capital. Various social, psychological factors and life strategies of mothers lead to the rejection of newborn children. The purpose of the study is to investigate various life practices of refusenik mothers’ behavior. The main reasons why women abandon their children are highlighted: social disadvantage, desocialization of women, material difficulties and financial problems, lack of support from relatives, unwanted pregnancy. According to the results of the author's sociological research, it was revealed that the most popular reason for refusal, according to respondents, is the social disadvantage of future parents, in second place is disability or severe illness of the child, in third place is the early age of the child's parents. Immigrant women and underage mothers are special groups of refuseniks.