Poverty in depressive territories: characteristics and potential for overcoming disadvantage

Poverty reduction is one of the priority goals of Russia’s policy. This issue is most relevant in depressed territories, as their socio-economic situation exacerbates poverty and social inequality. The scientific novelty lies in deepening the understanding of the poverty phenomenon in depressed territories through a comparative analysis of value orientations and poverty reduction strategies among populations residing in territories with varying levels of prosperity. Research method: questionnaire survey of 2,280 residents of the Sverdlovsk Oblast with average per capita incomes below the poverty threshold. It is revealed that residents of depressive territories spend more on medicines and car maintenance, but less on loans, clothing and education. In depressed territories, there is a paradoxical situation where higher per capita incomes may be accompanied by a greater sense of deprivation. Residents of depressed territories with incomes below the poverty threshold are less likely to identify themselves as poor compared to residents of prosperous regions. Respondents residing in depressed territories are more oriented towards active measures to improve their financial situation and the use of savings strategies.