To the problem of responsible parenthood: results of theoretical analysis and experimental research

The article presents the results of the study related to the problem of responsible parenthood, which was carried out by means of comparative analysis of the concepts «responsible parenthood» and «conscious parenthood». The theoretical analysis is based on the work of domestic researchers, who showed that the concept «conscious parenthood» is significantly justified and is represented by a larger number of scientific works compared to the concept «responsible parenthood». At that time, the concept «responsible parenthood» was understood as implicit in international documents and domestic legislation and regulations. It is noted that in many sources, the authors present considerations from the standpoint of the desired/«ideal form» of the content of the two concepts under study. According to the results of theoretical analysis, in the existing works of domestic scientists, a number of contradictions relevant to the present time have been identified, and the author’s opinions on them are presented. In the context of the stated problem and practical provision of the stated goal and objectives, an experimental study was conducted regarding Ukrainians’ attitude to the problem of responsible parenthood and the establishment of semantic differences in their understanding/perception of «responsible parenthood» and «conscious parenthood». The experimental study was implemented through a number of stages; the method of interviewing was chosen as the key one. The generalized results of the experimental study showed that Ukrainians understand the concept «conscious parenthood» as a conscious/planned desire to give birth to a child and raise him / her; and «responsible parenthood» as understanding and maintaining responsibility for the life and upbringing of a child (even if the birth was not planned), implying parents’ responsibility for their children. However, we do not mind parents’ responsibility to themselves. Based on the results of theoretical analysis and experimental research, the author’s definition of the concept «responsible parenthood» has been formulated.