Dokholyan S.V. Standard of living of the population of Russia: modern challenges and solutions in the context of sustainable development. Problems of market economy. 2025. No. 2. Pp. 6-19.

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the standard of living of the Russian population in the context of the country's sustainable development. Goal. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of income and standard of living of the population on the sustainable development of the country. Tasks. To achieve these goals, the following tasks were solved: data collection and analysis: using official Rosstat data to analyze incomes and living standards of the population, as well as regional data to identify differences between urban and rural areas; quantitative analysis: the use of statistical methods, including the calculation of indices of human development, physical quality of life and social progress; qualitative analysis: the use of comparative research methods to identify the characteristics of income distribution and access to basic social services in various regions of Russia; key factor analysis: the study of economic, social and environmental factors affecting the standard of living, such as access to healthcare, education, income levels, infrastructure, and the environment. Methods and methodology. The study used an integrated approach, including quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis. The methodological base was based on official data from Rosstat (the Federal State Statistics Service) to analyze the income and standard of living of the population. Statistical methods were used for quantitative analysis, as well as comparative research methods for qualitative analysis, which made it possible to identify the features of income distribution and the level of access to basic social services in different regions of Russia. In addition, the analysis of key economic, social and environmental factors affecting the standard of living of the population was carried out. Results. The results of the study revealed that despite the positive dynamics of some macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP growth of 3.6% in 2023 and an increase in real monetary incomes of the population, their impact on the quality of life is extremely unevenly distributed. One of the central problems is significant social inequality, expressed in the fact that the incomes of the richest 10% of Russians are 15 times higher than the incomes of the poorest 10%, while the wealthiest group accounts for 30.3% of the country's total monetary income, while the poorest group accounts for only 1.9%. Income growth rates among the wealthy are outpacing similar rates for the poor, which indicates an aggravation of the problem and the contradictory nature of the sustainable development process. The income structure of the population for 2021-2023 showed an increased dependence on wages (the share of which increased to 60.2%), while reducing the share of social benefits to 18.5%, which indicates an increased role of the labor market, but also the potential vulnerability of citizens. Acute regional disparities are also noted: large urban agglomerations have a higher standard of living, while rural areas face insufficient infrastructure and limited access to quality services. Among the systemic problems hindering the growth of living standards, the demographic crisis, problems in the labor sector (low wages, discrimination), insufficient availability and quality of healthcare, as well as continuing economic instability have been identified. Conclusions. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the income and standard of living of the population are key but contradictory factors of Russia's sustainable development. To achieve the goals of a country's sustainable development, it is not enough only to increase the aggregate economic indicators; an integrated and systematic approach is needed aimed at reducing inequality and solving deep structural problems. The main directions for improving living standards include reducing social inequality through the introduction of wealth redistribution mechanisms (progressive taxation, targeted subsidies), developing human capital through the modernization of education systems (in particular, the promotion of STEM disciplines) and healthcare, stimulating economic growth and ensuring stability through the development of domestic production and the creation of new jobs, solving demographic problems. and support for families, as well as overcoming regional disparities through targeted infrastructure development and ensuring equal access to social services. Only such an approach will make it possible to transform economic success into a real and tangible improvement in the standard and quality of life of the entire population, which is the foundation for the long-term and sustainable development of the country.