Social polarization and income differentiation on the “north-center” axis

The article focuses on the problem of social polarization in the global context and on the level of particular countries. The subject of the study is the economic and social parameters of functioning mechanisms of territorial development in the conditions of existing instability and social risk. Income differentiation is considered as a key factor of social distancing of society and as a determinant of social instability. The authors compare data from reports of international economic organizations, statistical bulletins and publications of the scientific community. The proportions of income inequality are analyzed in the cross-country and intra-country contexts; as an example, the regional differentiation of the Russian Arctic territories, as well as the urban and rural population of China, are assessed. Dynamic changes in absolute and relative terms of living standard indicators confirm the hypothesis of increasing social polarization. The development of the Russian Arctic territories demonstrates an imbalance between the living standards of the population and the perceived quality of life, while the main trends of regional inequality in China have clear group characteristics. The identified patterns can be used to adjust social and regional policies, to determine the parameters of development strategies and the content of government programs and projects.