SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN MODERN RUSSIA IN THE PERIOD OF PANDEMIC, SANCTIONS, ISOLATION

Abstract

In the article, the author presents a theoretical analysis of the social functions of self-employment in modern Russia during a pandemic, sanctions, and isolation based on a sociological study. The public sector, which has dominated Russia for a little less than a century, has practically given way to the private sector, forcing a new attitude to many facts, such as self-employment. The shadow market of the self-employed turns out for Russia, first of all, in huge, incomparable budget losses. The shadow labour market of self-employed citizens makes representatives of small and medium-sized businesses engaged in similar activities uncompetitive. Self-employment and this is a fact, is inextricably linked with corruption. At the same time, it should be noted that self-employment also performs positive social functions. First of all, self-employment regulates the labour market, does not allow unemployment to grow, and contributes to the survival of a large stratum of our citizens who, for various reasons, due to various life circumstances, found themselves below the poverty line. For several years now, thanks to self-employment in our society, the gap between the poor and the super-rich has been narrowing. Self-employment has played a significant role and will certainly continue to play in the context of the pandemic. The historic events of February 24 this year, related to the special operation in Ukraine, showed that thanks to the efforts of the leader of our country, the Russian army has already gained the ability to ensure the security of our Motherland for many years to come. And this is very important. Tough sanctions, an attempt at an economic blockade, and isolation of our state will allow us to create a model of a new economy based on our strengths. Now the key task for Vladimir Putin is precisely the solution to the issue of economic independence. Self-employment should again play a positive role in the abundance of sanctions and isolation, when tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and possibly millions of our fellow citizens have lost and continue to lose their means of subsistence in an instant.