Further Social Reforms Possible in Russia Today?

Abstract

In the center of discussion lie regional elites with their perception of the restrictions, which are connected with the furthering of social reforms, as well as their desire to change the decisions taken by the Center. The questions of efficiency assessment in social sphere, the role of population during social reforms, the intentions of the elite for the change in social policy according to population’s expectations are also discussed in this paper. The article is based on the research materials collected across 5 regions in 2006 through in-depth interview with the representatives of regional elite responsible for social policy making in the corresponding regions as well as with regional experts. 110 interviews were conducted.