A Society of Unstable Well-Being: Income Mobility and Immobility in Russia

Abstract

The article focuses on individual income mobility amongst Russians in the years 2009–2017. As in previous periods of post-Soviet development, income mobility in Russia remains high. In comparison to OECD member countries, income mobility is higher, while the level of persistent well-being is lower. Subjective individual assessments of income situation are more volatile than objective positions, with persistent subjective well-being almost non-existent. Subjective mobility does not correlate closely with its objective counterpart. Persistent well-being is determined by a combination of class and non-class factors, including labour market position, dependency burden and health status.