An assessment of population welfare in Russia on the basis of asset inequality and access to social services

The study presents an alternative approach to assessing welfare and asset inequality of the Russian population by an asset index. The authors adapt the asset index calculation methodology developed by South African researchers for the Russian situation. The methodology is driven from the household assets indicators. The authors affirm that the asset index provides a more precise assessment of population inequality in Russia compared to income indicators. The modified methodology is tested using the data of the Rosstat’s 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions. Based on the calculated values of the index, all households are divided into four groups. The research analyzes the access of households to social services among the asset groups.