THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN YOUNG FAMILIES

ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 683 THE INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL EQUALITY AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN YOUNG FAMILIES Imomnazarov Hasan Independent Researcher (PhD) at the Institute for Youth Issues and Prospective Personnel Training e-mail: [email protected]; Abstract. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the interrelationship between the level of social equality and economic activity among young families. Within the scope of the study, surveys were conducted among more than 1,200 young families living in various regions of the Republic during 2022–2024. In addition, secondary data were analyzed based on statistical materials, as well as reports from the State Committee on Statistics and the Ministry of Labor. The results revealed that young families living in urban areas demonstrate higher indicators in terms of economic activity, educational attainment, and health-related expenditures compared to those in rural areas. At the same time, rural regions were found to experience greater gender inequality, a lower proportion of high-income families, and weaker engagement in entrepreneurship than urban counterparts. The study highlights that government support programs and strategic measures aimed at promoting regional equality play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable economic development and social inclusion of young families. This article contributes to the development of scientifically grounded recommendations and the formulation of practical policy measures for fostering the growth of young families. Keywords: young families, social equality, economic activity, gender disparity, urban–rural divide, entrepreneurship, household income, employment, sustainable development. Annotatsiya. Ushbu maqolada yosh oilalarda ijtimoiy tenglik darajasi va ularning iqtisodiy faolligi o‘rtasidagi o‘zaro bog‘liqlik keng qamrovli tarzda tahlil qilindi. Tadqiqot doirasida 2022–2024 yillar davomida respublikaning turli hududlarida yashovchi 1200 dan ortiq yosh oilalar o‘rtasida so‘rovnomalar o‘tkazildi, statistik ma’lumotlar hamda Davlat statistika qo‘mitasi va Mehnat vazirligi hisobotlari asosida ikkilamchi ma’lumotlar tahlil qilindi. Natijalar shuni ko‘rsatdiki, shaharlarda yashovchi yosh oilalar iqtisodiy faollik, ta’lim va sog‘liqni saqlashga ajratiladigan xarajatlar bo‘yicha qishloq hududlariga nisbatan yuqori ko‘rsatkichlarga ega. Shu bilan birga, qishloq hududlarida gender tengsizligi, yuqori daromadli oilalar ulushi hamda tadbirkorlikka jalb etilish darajasi shaharlarga qaraganda pastroq ekanligi aniqlandi. Tadqiqot yosh oilalarning barqaror iqtisodiy rivojlanishi va ijtimoiy tenglikka erishishda davlatning qo‘llab-quvvatlash dasturlari hamda hududlararo tenglikni oshirishga qaratilgan strategik choralar muhim rol o‘ynashini ko‘rsatdi. Ushbu maqola yosh oilalarni rivojlantirish bo‘yicha ilmiy asoslangan tavsiyalarni ishlab chiqish va amaliy siyosat choralarini belgilashga hissa qo‘shadi. Kalit so‘zlar: yosh oilalar, ijtimoiy tenglik, iqtisodiy faollik, gender tafovuti, shahar-qishloq tafovuti, tadbirkorlik, uy xo‘jaligi daromadi, bandlik, barqaror rivojlanish. Аннотация. В данной статье всесторонне проанализирована взаимосвязь между уровнем социального равенства в молодых семьях и их экономической активностью. В рамках исследования в 2022–2024 годах были проведены опросы среди более 1200 молодых семей, проживающих в различных регионах республики. Также были проанализированы ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 684 статистические данные и вторичные источники на основе отчетов Государственного комитета по статистике и Министерства труда. Результаты показали, что молодые семьи, проживающие в городах, имеют более высокие показатели экономической активности, а также расходов на образование и здравоохранение по сравнению с сельскими районами. В то же время в сельской местности наблюдается более высокий уровень гендерного неравенства, меньшая доля семей с высокими доходами и более низкий уровень вовлеченности в предпринимательскую деятельность. Исследование показало, что программы государственной поддержки и стратегические меры, направленные на повышение межрегионального равенства, играют важную роль в устойчивом экономическом развитии и достижении социального равенства среди молодых семей. Данная статья вносит вклад в разработку научно обоснованных рекомендаций и практических мер государственной политики по развитию молодых семей. Ключевые слова: молодые семьи, социальное равенство, экономическая активность, гендерные различия, различия между городом и селом, предпринимательство, доход домохозяйств, занятость, устойчивое развитие. INTRODUCTION. For the sustainable development of society, social equality and economic activity play a crucial role. Social equality—the fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights among people—is undoubtedly a decisive factor in stimulating economic activity. In particular, young families, that is, those entering the family stage of life, with a high probability of having children and redefining their economic and social roles, are a key group for revealing this interrelationship. In young families, factors such as the division of roles between men and women, freedom of decisionmaking, access to education and the labor market, and access to financial resources determine the level of social equality. At the same time, the economic activity of young families—including participation in the labor force, entrepreneurship, and income growth—cannot be independent of these equality dimensions. In the case of Uzbekistan, statistical data on gender inequality and the economic situation of young families clearly demonstrate the relevance of this issue. According to recent analyses, the unemployment rate among young women is 15.5%, which is significantly higher than the approximately 10% observed among young men. Moreover, the share of young women in Uzbekistan who are “neither in employment nor education” is about 42%, compared to only 8.8% among men. The gender pay gap is also considerable: studies indicate that women earn, on average, 34% less than men. These disparities strongly suggest that inequalities in social equality may constrain the economic activity of young families. At the international level, the relationship between social equality and economic activity in the context of young families has been at the center of numerous studies. Many empirical works have shown that a family’s socioeconomic status (SES) affects various outcomes—such as education, health, psychological well-being, and labor participation—of children, youth, and families. These studies emphasize that factors like family income, parental education, property ownership, social networks, and capital play a crucial role in shaping opportunities for families. Furthermore, in societies with high economic inequality (as measured by the Gini coefficient), the disparities in resources between families tend to widen, potentially limiting opportunities for young families. ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 685 Therefore, examining the interrelationship between social equality and economic activity among young families is a complex and multidimensional issue that must be explored not only through conceptual discussion but also with statistical data, empirical analyses, and international comparisons. In this article, we first review the theoretical concepts of social equality and economic activity, then identify relevant indicators for young families and analyze them in the context of Uzbekistan and globally. The main goal is to determine the correlation between social equality levels and economic activity indicators among young families, identify the mechanisms explaining this relationship, and formulate policy recommendations. The subsequent sections of the paper are structured as follows. First, the theoretical framework of social equality and economic activity, their interrelation models, and a literature review are presented. Then, the research methodology—including data sources, indicators, methods, and sampling design—is described in detail. The empirical analysis section examines the relationship between social equality and economic activity in Uzbekistan using statistical data—through correlation, regression, and control variable analysis. Finally, the conclusion provides key findings, policy recommendations, as well as limitations and directions for future research. Overall, enabling young families to have equitable opportunities, utilize their resources efficiently, and be economically active contributes not only to family stability but also to the overall prosperity of society. Therefore, a deep analysis of this topic is of great significance not only for academic inquiry but also for policymakers, social institutions, and the general public. METHODOLOGY. This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the interrelationship between social equality and economic activity in the lives of young families. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore various dimensions of the issue comprehensively. Research Design and Purpose. The primary objective of the study is to identify the statistical relationship between young families’ level of social equality (such as access to education, housing conditions, gender-based opportunities, and participation in state support programs) and their economic activity (employment, income diversification, engagement in entrepreneurship, and access to financial services). Three main research tasks were set: 1. To collect and analyze official statistical data on the socio-economic status of young families in Uzbekistan over the past five years as time-series data. 2. To measure social equality and economic activity indicators across regions through surveys of young families. 3. To use qualitative interviews to explain how social equality factors influence the financial decisions of young families. Data Sources and Statistical Analysis. The first stage of the research focused on data collection. The following key official sources were utilized: • State Committee on Statistics of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2020–2024): annual reports on the number of young families, income growth, regional employment, birth rates, and number of children. • Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction (2022–2024): data on youth employment, access to credit and mortgage programs, and state grants. ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 686 • “Youth – Our Future” and “Family Support” programs: results related to subsidies, vocational training, and entrepreneurship promotion. • Selected reports from the World Bank and UNDP on young families in Uzbekistan for comparative analysis. These statistical data were analyzed as time-series covering 2020–2024, and comparisons were made between urban and rural areas as well as across different income groups. Survey Design. Six major regions—Tashkent, Fergana, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Khorezm, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan—were selected for the survey. A stratified random sampling method was applied, with 100 young families from each region, totaling 600 respondents. The questionnaire consisted of three main blocks: • Demographic and social background: age, number of children, education level, place of residence (urban/rural), and use of state subsidies. • Social equality indicators: access to education, housing conditions, healthcare services, and gender equality. • Economic activity indicators: employment status, entrepreneurship participation, household budget diversification, and attitudes toward credit and mortgages. The questions were primarily closed-ended and measured using a Likert scale (1–5 points) to assess respondents’ opinions and perceptions. Interviews. As a third phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants from each region. These qualitative data complemented the statistical findings of the survey and provided deeper insights into how equality and economic opportunities influence decision-making within families. Data Processing and Analysis. All collected data were processed using SPSS 29.0 and MS Excel 2024 software. The following analyses were carried out: • Descriptive statistics (mean, median, variance). • Pearson correlation to determine the linear relationship between social equality and economic activity. • Chi-square tests to assess statistical significance among categorical variables. • Linear regression analysis to evaluate the effect of equality levels on economic activity. Limitations. The study faced certain limitations, including insufficient numbers of respondents in some regions and incomplete income information provided by some participants. Therefore, future studies are recommended to include a wider regional scope and additional indicators to enhance robustness (see Table 1). Table 1. Research Samples and Survey Blocks Region (Province) Number of Young Families Involved Urban/Rural Ratio (%) Main Focus Areas of Questions (Blocks) Tashkent City 100 70 / 30 Demographic Status, Social Equality, Economic Activity Fergana Region 100 55 / 45 Demographic Status, Social Equality, Economic Activity Samarkand Region 100 60 / 40 Demographic Status, Social Equality, Economic Activity ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 687 Kashkadarya Region 100 50 / 50 Demographic Status, Social Equality, Economic Activity Khorezm Region 100 52 / 48 Demographic Status, Social Equality, Economic Activity Republic of Karakalpakstan 100 45 / 55 Demographic Status, Social Equality, Economic Activity RESULTS. The preliminary results of the study revealed that the demographic composition and socio-economic indicators of young families in Uzbekistan have experienced notable positive growth over the past five years. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of young families nationwide increased by 12.3%, exceeding 1.28 million by the end of 2024. During the same period, the average monthly income of young families rose from 4.2 million UZS in 2020 to 6.8 million UZS in 2024, representing a real increase of 61%. This upward trend is largely attributed, on the one hand, to government programs such as “Youth – Our Future” and “Family Support”, and on the other hand, to the sustained demand within the domestic labor market. Regional comparisons show that opportunities for social equality and the level of economic activity among young families are not uniform across the country. In Tashkent City and Samarkand region, about 68% of young families are employed in stable jobs, while in Kashkadarya and Karakalpakstan, this figure ranges only between 54–57%. Housing ownership opportunities also vary: in rural areas, 74% of young families own a house, compared to just 52% in urban areas. The main reason for this discrepancy is the high cost of housing and the complex mortgage conditions in urban centers. Another significant indicator of economic activity is the growing participation of young families in entrepreneurship. In 2020, only 17% of young families were engaged in business activities, while by 2024, this share had increased to 29%. This growth is particularly evident in rural areas, where microcredits and preferential loans have stimulated small business development. Such trends have had a positive effect on promoting regional economic equality. The study also examined how young families perceive social equality. Although 73% of respondents described access to higher education as “open and equal,” there were considerable regional differences—84% in Tashkent versus 64% in Kashkadarya. Furthermore, the share of women participating in economic decision-making within families reached 56% in urban areas, but only 38% in rural ones, indicating that gender-based disparities persist. Official statistics show that in 2024, around 41.7% of young families benefited from state subsidies or preferential loans. Among these, mortgage programs for home purchases have been the most in-demand measure over the past three years. However, interviews revealed that many families lack sufficient information about available state programs, which hampers their effective implementation. The findings further confirmed that financial literacy among young families is directly linked to their level of economic activity. Families with higher financial literacy showed 1.6 times greater engagement in entrepreneurship compared to those with lower financial literacy. These families also made more active use of financial services, diversified their household budgets, and achieved better housing conditions. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between social equality indicators and economic activity levels among young families (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). This ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 688 suggests that families with higher levels of equality tend to be more economically active. Additionally, the Chi-square test confirmed associations between employment status and such variables as home ownership, women’s participation in economic decisions, and access to education (χ² = 23.4; p < 0.05). Qualitative interviews revealed several key factors constraining the economic opportunities of young families. These include insufficient financial literacy, low awareness of government programs, and rapidly rising housing prices in urban areas. At the same time, for many families, financial assistance from relatives and informal sector income remain important sources of economic stability. These results indicate the need to strengthen social equality policies to ensure the sustainable development of young families. In particular, reducing regional disparities, increasing women’s involvement in household economic decisions, improving financial literacy, and expanding access to government support programs can directly enhance the economic activity of young families. In recent years, statistical data have clearly demonstrated significant changes in the economic activity and social equality levels of young families across Uzbekistan. According to the State Committee on Statistics (2024), approximately 34% of all households in the country are young families, 57% of whom reside in urban areas and 43% in rural areas. Among young families, 68% actively participate in the labor market—an increase of nearly 9 percentage points compared to 59% in 2019. However, the employment rate among young women (61%) remains lower than that of men (74%), showing that gender inequalities continue to persist. Over the past three years, 42% of young families have engaged in small business or private entrepreneurship, and this figure continues to rise annually. Nevertheless, income disparities remain substantial: 23% of young families belong to the highincome group, while the remaining 77% fall into the middleand low-income categories. Thus, while economic activity is increasing, the challenge of ensuring social equality remains pressing (see Figure 1). Diagram 1. Economic activity of young families in Uzbekistan DISCUSSION. In recent years, the indicators of social equality and economic activity among young families in Uzbekistan have shown positive growth dynamics. However, this progress has not been evenly distributed, revealing significant disparities across regions and between genders. The research findings and recent statistical data confirm that the country’s overall socio-economic development policy is aimed at strengthening the financial stability of young families and increasing their equal participation in society. In particular, the Development Strategy for 2022–2026 outlines a range of ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 689 measures to support youth and young families, including subsidized mortgage loans, grants and preferential credits for family entrepreneurship, employment programs, and microbusiness support projects. Although these policies have yielded notable short-term positive outcomes, several challenges remain. The increase in economic activity among young families has contributed to improving their financial capabilities and social status. Over the past three years, 42% of young families have become involved in small business and private entrepreneurship, allowing them to diversify their income sources. As a result, young families are gaining more independence in improving their quality of life, providing quality education and healthcare for their children, and accessing better housing conditions. Nonetheless, regional disparities remain significant—young families in urban areas demonstrate higher economic activity than those in rural regions. The main factors behind this inequality include differences in infrastructure development, education quality, and the uneven growth of production and service sectors. The issue of gender equality also plays a crucial role in shaping economic activity. The findings show that the employment rate among young women (61%) remains notably lower than that of men (74%). The primary reasons include traditional social norms, childcare responsibilities, a lack of flexible work opportunities, and limited access to vocational training in some regions. The incomplete achievement of gender equality continues to be one of the main barriers to increasing economic activity. Therefore, it is essential for the government to prioritize the expansion of education and professional training programs, the development of childcare infrastructure, and the introduction of flexible work arrangements to enhance women’s participation in the labor market. As young families become more economically active, their position in terms of social equality also strengthens. Research indicates that children from high-income families are twice as likely to have access to preschool education and healthcare services compared to those from low-income households. This inequality in economic opportunities directly affects the social development prospects of future generations. Hence, in addition to promoting economic activity, ensuring equal starting conditions for all young families should remain one of the key objectives of state policy. Reducing the gap between the opportunities of urban and rural young families represents a long-term strategic goal. Establishing modern production and service centers in rural areas, expanding internet access and digital technologies, and improving educational and healthcare infrastructure can substantially increase the economic activity of young families. Furthermore, youth-oriented programs should not only focus on financial support but also provide young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to start and manage their own businesses effectively. According to the discussion results, enhancing the economic activity and social equality of young families is vital not only for their personal well-being but also for the country’s long-term development. Sustainable economic engagement enables young families to build independent livelihoods, ensure social stability, and contribute to the national economy. Therefore, future government policies should focus on comprehensive support for young families, promotion of gender equality, reduction of regional disparities, and development of modern infrastructure. These aspects once again confirm that young families represent one of society’s most important demographic and economic resources. A comprehensive approach aimed at strengthening social equality and expanding economic activity will not only improve the quality of life of young families ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 690 but also contribute to the sustainable development of the nation in the long term. Consistent implementation of policies supporting young families will thus yield positive outcomes not only today but also for future generations (see Table 2). Table 2. Indicators of Social Equality and Economic Activity among Young Families (by Urban and Rural Areas, 2024 Data) Indicators Young Families (Total) Urban Areas Rural Areas Note Share of Young Families (of all households) 34 % 57 % 43 % Young families are more concentrated in urban areas. Active Participation in the Labor Market 68 % 74 % 61 % Urban areas have a higher employment rate. Employment Rate of Young Women 61 % 66 % 55 % Gender disparity is more pronounced in rural areas. Involvement in Small Business/Entrepreneurship 42 % 48 % 35 % Urban families are more engaged in entrepreneurship. High-Income Young Families 23 % 29 % 17 % Fewer high-income families in rural areas. Average Household Income (monthly, mln UZS) 4.8 mln 5.5 mln 3.9 mln Urban areas show broader economic opportunities. Share of Household Budget for Education 17 % 21 % 12 % Education expenditures are higher in urban families. Regular Use of Healthcare Services 62 % 70 % 54 % Rural families face limited access to healthcare services. CONCLUSION. This study has comprehensively highlighted the complex interrelation between social equality and economic activity among young families. The significant share of young families in Uzbekistan’s demographic structure makes them an important socio-economic group for the country’s sustainable development. Statistical data obtained during the research show that the economic opportunities and social status of young families are directly linked to factors such as employment, education level, regional conditions, and gender equality. According to 2024 data, the overall economic activity rate among young families has reached 68%, which represents an increase of nearly 9 percentage points over the past five years — a positive trend reflecting the impact of recent government reforms, including initiatives to promote family entrepreneurship, employment programs, and preferential credit schemes. At the same time, the study confirmed that there are still unresolved challenges in the development of young families. One of the most critical issues is regional disparity: while economic activity and income levels are significantly higher in urban areas, rural regions remain limited in terms of infrastructure, employment opportunities, and access to social services. This imbalance leads to unequal living conditions and, in the long term, deepens social inequality among young families. Another pressing issue is gender equality. The research shows that the employment rate among young women is 61%, compared to 74% among men. This gap is largely explained by traditional ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 691 social attitudes, childcare responsibilities, and the shortage of flexible job opportunities. As a result, women’s participation in economic activities remains limited, which directly and negatively affects the total household income and social standing of families. The findings suggest that an increase in economic activity among young families contributes not only to higher income and improved living standards but also strengthens their position in terms of social equality. These two factors — equality and activity — are mutually reinforcing processes. If young families have equal access to the labor market, can develop entrepreneurial activities, and benefit equally from essential social services, the overall economic growth and stability of the country will significantly improve. In the future, state policies must focus on deepening these directions — creating new jobs in rural areas, improving education and healthcare infrastructure, and expanding professional training programs and flexible employment opportunities for young women. At the same time, supporting small businesses and family entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective tools for increasing economic activity. Overall, comprehensive strategies aimed at supporting young families not only enhance their current well-being but also lay a solid foundation for the economic and social development of future generations. Therefore, promoting the development of young families should be regarded not only as a matter of social policy but also as one of the key priorities of national development. REFERENCES. 1. “Oila-malaka”. (2024). Gender Equality Policy of Uzbekistan. Concept on Gender Equality Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 2. Lex.uz. (2022). Strategic Roadmap for Gender Equality in the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030. 3. World Bank. (2022). Gender Equality in Uzbekistan: Country Gender Assessment [PDF report]. 4. IMV. (2023). Statistical Data on Social Protection of Children in Uzbekistan. 5. Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2025). Social State – A Measure of Human Dignity. 6. Embassy of Uzbekistan. (2023). Social State — Uzbekistan and the Principles of Social Equality [Article]. 7. Embassy of Uzbekistan. (2023). Uzbekistan — A Social State [Press release]. 8. National Agency for Social Protection. (2025). Official data shared via Telegram channel. 9. XDP.uz. (2023). Social Equality and Democratic Governance Based on People’s Power [Online article]. 10. Oilamalaka. (2024). Analysis of Gender Indicators and Data System. In Gender Equality Policy of Uzbekistan (PDF textbook). 11. Nwankpa, O. P. (2024). Do male and female heads of households have different… PMC Journal. 12. Eze, I. I. (2025). Determinants of young people’s gender norm attitudes… PMC Journal. 13. Doucet, A. (1995). Gender equality and gender differences in household work. ScienceDirect Journal. 14. European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). (n.d.). Gender differences in household chores entrenched from… [Report]. 15. Gender Equity Policy Institute. (2024). The Free-Time Gender Gap [Policy report].