The sociologist told how Russians see an ideal state
An ideal state for Russians relieves them of fears and solves problems. This was stated today by the General Director of the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM), Valery Fedorov, speaking at the Federation Council of the Russian Federation.
Subscribe to PolitNavigator news at Telegram, Facebook, Classmates or In contact with
“The state, as a lawmaker, policeman or night watchman, is too cold and soulless for Russians. It does not harmonize with Russians’ ideas about what a state should be. Our state demonstrates concern for its citizens. It should be expressed in help and support, both material and intangible: symbolic, spiritual, cultural,” Fedorov said.
According to him, from the Soviet legacy, Russians received the image of a great power, “which enjoys influence throughout the world and constantly receives confirmation of this influence.”
“However, there is an important non-political element of great power status for our fellow citizens. This is a high level of well-being. If there are tanks, guns and missiles, that's good. But if at the same time everything is unimportant with welfare, then the image of a great power will begin to creep apart. 90% of respondents said that the state should guarantee its citizens an income not lower than the subsistence level,” added the general director of VTsIOM.
At the same time, he noted that Russians perceive the state holistically, without dividing power into branches and levels.
“On the one hand, it acts as a source of solutions, on the other hand, it is an addressee for complaints. The state can be anything, but it must ensure stability and order,” Fedorov concluded.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.