Sociological analysis of citizens’ savings behavior

The research is devoted to the analysis of one of the topical issues of economic sociology - the savings behavior of the population. In modern conditions, complicated by the introduction of economic sanctions against Russian Federation, any sources of investments must be studied carefully with the aim of their subsequent efficient use in the economy and public life. Keeping with the view that savings behavior should be regarded as one of the potential sources of investment, the authors proved the need to study this social phenomenon. The logic of the presentation of the material presented allows to move from the theoretical description of the behavior of savings as the research object to the generalized empirical data revealing the peculiarities of this type of social behavior of the inhabitants of the city of Volgograd. In particular, the article specifies the place of savings behavior in the structure of economic and monetary behavior; analyzes the theoretical models classifications of motifs and goals of individuals engaged in the practice of savings; reviews scientific experience studying the savings behavior of foreign and Russian scientists. The article describes the causes, both encouraging and restraining individuals from making savings. The hypothesis made by the authors on the basis of generalization of scientific and theoretical material, tried out and confirmed in the course of complex sociological research devoted to the study of savings behavior of the inhabitants of the modern Russian regional city, carried out in two phases with the use of quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of quantitative and qualitative research are presented in the format of complementary materials on the basis of which the conclusions of the authors of the current state of savings behavior of the citizens and the factors (objective and subjective) that have an influence on it were made. The author substantiates the need to create favorable conditions to encourage the savings behavior of the population as an important potential source of investment for the economic development of the region and improve the material well-being of its inhabitants, but also offered to consider ways of promoting positive change.