VALUES OF RUSSIANS AND RESIDENTS OF THE LEADING EUROPEAN COUNTRIES (BASED ON THE EUROPEAN SOCIAL SURVEY DATA)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to compare the modernization indicators in Russia and the leading European countries, to provide analysis of intergenerational differences in values of Russians and to reveal if these differences facilitate or impede the economic development. The author uses the typology developed by the Argentine sociologist M. Grondona and the European Social Survey database. To determine the group of the European leaders, various ratings were analyzed by the author; the indicators of economic growth developed by L. Harrison were also used. The study reveals that the gap between Russia and Western countries of Europe being the leaders in modernization is due to the fact that Russians and European citizens have different values. Compared to Europeans, middle-aged Russians try to conduct themselves properly, not to commit actions condemned by others. Labor is often considered as a means to achieve prosperity and well-being. Young Russians think that they are more religious than Europeans, more prosperity-oriented and more focused on the "correct" behavior; they are less open to something new and unexpected. There is also a tendency towards lower assessment of the democratic character of power, towards lower degree of trust and dissociation in the Russian society, towards lower openness to new perspectives and abilities to cooperate and create. As the data suggests, there is an obvious shift in culture, in value system and in the mentality of Russians, especially young Russians. Therefore, comprehensive policies in further reforming can bring about positive changes, given that all national and regional differences are taken into account.