Features of the socio-economic situation of Russian youth in the process of consolidation of civil society and the state: sociological analysis

Abstract

Background. The sociological study of the opinions of young people as a poten-tial actor of transformational processes is an important component in monitoring the potential, risks and threats to the sustainable development of the country in the future. One of its key aspects is ensuring a decent standard and quality of life for young citizens. The purpose of the research is to study the peculiarities of the socio-economic situation of Russian youth in the context of the formation of consolidation processes of society and the state using sociological methods. Materials and methods. The article analyzes the results of 51 and 52 stages of sociological monitoring “How are you, Russia?”, held annually by the Center for strategic social and socio-political studies of the Center for Strategic Social and Socio-Political Research, Institute of Socio-Political Research, Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The sample totaled 1609 and 1700 respondents, respectively. Young respondents of the Russian Federation aged 18–35 years were selected for analysis in the empirical database. The author’s research involves the study of two key blocks: socio-economic self-assessments of young citizens (anxiety, forecast of financial situation and work motivation) and the attitude of the younger generation to the economic policy pursued by the authorities, as well as the level of alienation. Results. The main concerns of the younger generation in 2022 were economic problems related to meet-ing vital needs. The current crisis conditions actualized the feeling of fear of the uncertainty of the future among young people. In order to improve the level of their well-being, young citizens counted, first of all, on their strength and desire to work and earn. Russian youth showed a sense of social optimism about their financial situation in the future. At the same time, a course has been taken to reduce the level of alienation, increase loyalty and political activity of the younger generation. This fact is a positive moment in the system of strengthening consolidation processes. However, sociological measurements have shown that the values of these indicators are at a low level and can provoke the risk of deconsolidation in society. Conclusions. In the conditions of hybrid reality, Russian youth is entering a stage of gradual manifestation of their life position in the political sphere. However, such a transitional form is dialectical in nature. The young generation is ready to solve economic problems in their personal life independently, but on condition that a favorable basis is created by the state, which will actively take care and protect its citizens. In the youth environment, a request has been formed to update the social model of the development of the state.

Keywords

• youth
• state
• reforms
• consolidation
• civil society
• economy
• politics
• government
• financial situation