Social Structures and Middle Classes: Glance at Russia

Abstract

Theoretical principles of social and class structures, including middle classes, are examined. The criteria of reckoning hired workers as middle classes worked out on the basis of normative methodology (normative criteria) are submitted, among the most important of them are: educational qualifications, occupation, personal income and provision of housing.
Methods of statistical and sociologic data analysis are applied. The results of analysis of hired workers classes by the normative criteria are discussed. It is determined that today middle classes comprise only 2–3 per cent of the total number of hired workers. It should be noted that there is nobody among them having a family with two and more children, mostly due to the low level of wages. There are some other factors explaining this. Th e results of the research could be applied in the Government social and economic policy. Refs 16. Tables 3.

Keywords:

hired workers, middle classes, education, occupation, material security