Economic and Sociocultural Development Model of Russian Middle Class.

Recent Russian studies by the Institute of Sociology, Russian Academy of Sciences, have revealed the economic and sociocultural characteristics of the Russian middle class as an aspect of Russia's development model. The maximum resource for the growth of that class, which at the time of the study comprised 40% of Russia's economically active population, is not expected to grow by more than 8-10% of the overall country's population. The middle class has certain advantages compared to other social strata in terms of financial and living conditions, and a higher professional status. Some problems are also stated, including a drastic decline in governmental resource, uncertainty about the future, an increase in the proportion of unsophisticated leisure in contrast to active leisure. A consensus between the state and the middle class is feasible as to obligations to resolve social problems. However, no consensus is sofar available [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]