Being Old in Russia
The Welfare Situation and Social Climate
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Old age does not have a good reputation in Russian public opinion. The population sees in it a difficult phase of life that is marked by health problems, emotional burdens, and material concerns. The material losses that come with retirement are considerably greater than in the west. Social and cultural isolation increases. Among Russia’s pensioners, authoritarian dispositions and paternalistic orientations are especially pronounced. This is expressed in election behaviour and expectations of the state. But when it comes to defending the social system, Russia’s older citizens are more active than the younger ones.
(Osteuropa 5/2010, pp. 175–190)