Trends and Factors Determining the Life Satisfaction of Russians (1997–2017)

Abstract

Relying on data from annual research and monitoring studies of the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the author analyzes the influence of the recently ended economic crisis on the level of life satisfaction of Russians. The article illustrates the trend in general assessments of the life satisfaction of Russians over the period of 1997 to 2017. It summarizes the level of satisfaction and how recent socioeconomic crises (2008–2009 and 2014–2016) have affected it. We analyze how overall life satisfaction is interconnected with satisfaction with various areas in the lives of Russians. Such characteristics as “material security,” “nutrition,” and “clothing,” as well as “living conditions” and “health status” are key to determining the level of satisfaction. At the same time, we discovered that life satisfaction is the least connected with the ability “to realize career success,” “to obtain education and knowledge,” “to spend leisure time,” and “to relax on vacation.” We were able to identify areas that are more stable and less susceptible to external influences: “family relations,” “opportunities to socialize with friends,” and “position (status) in society.” The main conclusions are presented in the constructed models: “model of the good life” and “model of the bad life.” The two ends of these opposite poles are the views and aspirations of modern life (with its complex model of needs), on the one hand, and traditional concerns, on the other. We show that this “oscillation” (waxing and waning) of personal needs depending on macroeconomic conditions is an effective sociopsychological mechanism that has long established itself in Russian culture and ensures that Russians are able to successfully psychologically cope with crisis.