Material inequality in Russia. Realities and changing trends

Presents findings of five panel surveys between 1990 and 2006 in order to record changing property trends and respective societal differentiations. Apart from extensive methodological discussion regarding academic approaches to the subject author, in conclusion, states three negative processes. 1. Concentration of incomes in upper property strata goes on. 2. Rates of lowering poverty slow down. 3. Russian society features a large segment of poorly provided for people excluded from development and feeling no improvements in their lives. Shifts in economic and social policies of the government are duly suggested summed up in eventual legislation of a national standard of life quality.