Affluent Russians view 250,000 rubles as the baseline for a decent living standard
In a recent study conducted between 2023 and 2024, researchers sought to identify the primary indicators of high status among Russia's top 10% population. However, the search results do not provide direct information from this study, with no results explicitly addressing social or cultural status markers specific to this demographic group.
To fill this gap, we can draw upon generally available sociological and economic knowledge about Russia’s elite. Primary indicators of high status among Russians in the top 10% typically include wealth and income level, educational attainment, social connections and political influence, lifestyle markers, consumption patterns, and time management skills.
High income is often derived from ownership or leadership in large businesses, especially in sectors like oil and gas, finance, and real estate. Graduates from prestigious institutions like Moscow State University and top technical universities are often seen as elite. Access to government officials and influential circles is a key marker of status, as is ownership of luxury real estate, cars, and participation in exclusive cultural or sporting events. High consumption of luxury goods, travel, and services that signify distinction also play a significant role.
The study, which focused on Russians with incomes in the top 10% of the population (based on 2022 Rosstat data), found that for families with two children, income thresholds ranged from 660,000 to 800,000 rubles. For families with one child, the income thresholds were lower, ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 rubles. Interestingly, over half of the respondents cited owning real estate and premium cars as main indicators of high status.
The study's income thresholds are significantly higher than the incomes considered acceptable for feeling secure, which Russians perceive as 500,000 rubles. Furthermore, only a small percentage of Russians surveyed (36%) reported incomes at or above the study's income thresholds, indicating they are not considered in the top 10% of society.
The study's findings confirm Russia’s high inequality and the significance of resource-based wealth. However, they do not enumerate symbolic or behavioral indicators of status used in the referenced top 10% group specifically. Further specialized academic or sociological research sources would be needed to identify these nuanced social markers conclusively.
It's worth noting that many respondents value the intangible aspects of status, such as the ability to manage one's time and maintain a flexible schedule. Additionally, international travel has emerged as a status marker over the past year. The concept of normality in this group is not based on national averages but rather on their surroundings and peers in the top 10% of society.
The study was conducted in multiple waves between 2023 and 2024, providing a comprehensive view of the factors influencing high status among Russia's elite. As the study's income thresholds were specifically designed to reflect the concept of normality in the study's population, it offers valuable insights into the lifestyle and aspirations of this demographic group.
In the absence of direct information from the study about personal-finance indicators specific to Russia's top 10%, we can infer that high income derived from business sectors like oil and gas, finance, and real estate might be a significant aspect for this group. Graduates from prestigious institutions like Moscow State University and top technical universities are also commonly considered part of the top 10%, showcasing the importance of educational attainment in personal-finance matters.
