“Self-sufficient” Russians and their life priorities

“Self-sufficiency” of Russians is analyzed as a phenomenon whose criterion is individ’s ability (in self-assessment) to successfully exist and provide for oneself relying only on own efforts and not on the state. “Self-sufficiency” is defined as a specific social marker reflecting a process of generating responsible and independent approach to one’s life. Empirically, the study was based on an all-Russian survey among 4000 Russians in March, 2015. The survey found that “self-sufficiency” and independence from the state is a key trait of existential attitudes of over 40% Russians. Their social demographic and social professional profiles are shown along with a characteristic of their social economic moods and positions; their worldview attitudes are analyzed, too. Self-sufficiency is closely tied to activity and entrepreneurship, material and social success. It is concluded that “self-sufficiency” might at present become in Russian society its social dominant and a pillar for its stable and sustainable development.