Lower socioeconomic strata in Russia have their origins in both the former Soviet lower strata and economic decline of the 1990s. Part of the reason for their persistence is the geographic mismatch between jobs and the labor supply, in addition to lack of education, skills, and social support. The situation cannot be solved by just providing…

Reports on a 1993 study of the social attitudes and life plans of Russian high school graduates in 21 urban areas. Finds that students are concerned about unemployment, the future, and the declining state of their families' financial position. Includes eight tables of statistical data. (CFR)

Profiles current Russian research on political culture and values. Reports on a study of the spread of materialist and postmaterialist values among nearly 6,000 Russians between 1984 and 1993. Discusses the social and demographic variables that exert the greatest influence on the spread of values. (CFR)

Reports on the social orientation and educational plans of 1,630 Russian ninth-graders in 21 urban areas. Asserts that family differences have a significant influence on students' future educational plans. Students hold knowledge and science in less esteem because of the recent declining income of college graduates. (CFR)