Social well-being of the Russian population during the acute stage of the epidemiological crisis

Abstract

Based on the data of a survey conducted by the Institute for Social Analysis and Forecasting (RANEPA) in April 2020 the article considers the Russians' well-being indicators during the acute stage of the epidemiological crisis (N= 3,500). The study shows that most of the population perceived the threat of COVID-19 epidemic and adjusted their own behaviors to minimize potential risks. According to the types of self-limiting behaviors two large groups were detected, each with high prevalence of self-restrains. The article explores the risks related to income and employment, the worsening of individual's financial situation and individuals' fears of losing the job. Based on the previous experiences of adaptation to the periods of economic instability, large groups of populations intend to adopt a number of adaptation strategies which include lower consumer activities coupled with efforts to find an additional source of income or a side job. The results suggest that there is a mismatch in terms of respondents' approvals of the government decisions: respondents consider the measures aiming to tackle the epidemiological situation to be quite adequate, however they think that the level of social support is not sufficient, therefore, more efforts to improve social assistance are needed.