Social trends in Siberian regions

Abstract

The paper examines regional disparities in the development level of human potential existing in Russian society. It is concluded that Siberia is not a homogeneous area in terms of human development. In Siberia, there are both territories taking leading positions and demonstrating high qualitative characteristics of the population and economic success, and territories which are performing weakly and are ranked among the weakest regions. In general, over the last 12 years, all Siberian regions were characterized by positive trends, but their growth rates were insufficient for a breakthrough in the social sphere. This has prevented Siberia from breaking out of the rut of a deprived Russian province, which shaped the public opinion and migratory orientation of Siberians. Unjustified social inequalities are predictors of the population’s contraction around the capital metropolis and the western regions of Russia, depopulation of the eastern territories, and threat to the territorial integrity of the country.