Research by Oxford University using survey data between 1993 and 1998 reveals pronounced and growing class differences in a number of areas. Yet, most Russians, from whatever class have seen their situation eroded over time. Public support has moved against pro-market policies and towards a greater demand for government intervention. Differences in occupational characteristics across class lines do not appear to have grown substantially between 1993 and 1998. Either the bases of class differentiation were present from at least the latter stages of the communist period, or the effects of marketisation are felt by all classes in Russia rather than just particular groups.
All classes appear to be losing perks associated with the communist era over time.
Income differences are evident in predictable ways suggesting that the measure of class position used is tapping into real differences in distribution. Differences between classes in political norms and voting behaviour appear to have grown between 1993 and 1998, suggesting that Russians have become more able and willing to relate their class experiences to their political preferences. The middle classes will provide the main constituency supporting the free market. Because all classes have seen their situation eroded in some respects, support has shifted towards greater demand for government intervention, providing a strong electoral basis for the return of the Communist Party. All rights reserved.