Sushko P.E. Trends in Russians’ Perceptions of Various Aspects of Life: From Assessments to Demand for Social Policy. Social Sciences. 2025. Vol. 56. No. 1. Pp. 18-36.

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This article analyzes trends and particularities of Russians’ assessments of changes taking place in various areas of life. Based on data from studies conducted in various years by the Institute of Sociology, FCTAS RAS, it is shown that, according to Russians, the most significant improvements over the past two decades have been in the population’s standard and quality of life, as well as in education and health care. In particular, there is a growing percentage of positive perceptions regarding unemployment, income opportunities, housing availability, and access to preschools. A “cautious” optimism is noted in relation to social justice, living standards, and secondary and higher education. However, in none of these areas do positive assessments prevail. This indicates that certain issues persist and remain relevant to various population groups. Of particular concern are areas related to collective security, where a sharp increase in negative assessments has been recorded. This article examines groups with relatively homogeneous views on the evolving situation in various areas of society. Among them, Russians with pessimistic and moderately optimistic assessments of ongoing changes have become roughly equal in number. We have established that key differences between these groups – and, accordingly, their demands for changes in various areas – are shaped primarily by subjective factors related to perceptions of personal well-being, the number of problems experienced over the past year, and certain “we-identities.” In particular, pessimists’ demand for qualitative changes was found to come about largely spontaneously, under the cumulative negative impact of multiple factors on their lives. In contrast, the demand for further improvements in key areas of life among moderate optimists and the “stability-oriented” segment of society is more differentiated and rationalized.

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