The article presents an analysis of marriage and family relations in Soviet and post-Soviet times. Historical events of the late XX - early XXI centuries. in Russia had a significant impact on public institutions and factors in the formation of civic, ethnic and religious identity. The transformation in Russia during the perestroika and post-Soviet periods had important consequences for the development of the institution of the family. Dynamic changes in the field of state and public regulation of the institution of the family have an impact on the attitude of young people to marriage and family relations. The modern Russian family differs from the Soviet - era family in its structure, which is confirmed by the data obtained in the course of a sociological study.
