Transformation of public consciousness in the mirror of people's financial welfare (on the results of ISEDT RAS research on the territory of the Vologda oblast)

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has made great progress concerning the improvement of the standard of living. At least this is according to official statistics. However, the results of numerous sociological studies carried out by VTsIOM, Levada Center and other organizations engaged in the study of public opinion show that financial problems remain a key issue for the Russians. The vector of the problems changed; nowadays people worry not so much about the low level of income (although the problem has not disappeared), as about income distribution, inequality of opportunities to meet the needs and implement one’s own potential and, accordingly, about the issues of social justice. The rise of the standard of living, along with the issues of social inequality coming to the fore, leaves its mark on public consciousness and is manifest in people’s attitude toward state and social institutions, conditions of everyday life, their own desires and needs, and affects their behavior patterns...