Consideration of the problem of poverty involves taking into account not only the
«narrow» economic aspects, but also a wider range of social needs and moral assessments of the problems of social inequality by various social groups, including age-generational groups. The purpose of the article is to analyze the features of perception of the problem of poverty by representatives of different generations on the example of applicants and their parents. An important feature of the sample is that the respondents are not only
representatives of different generations («fathers «and» children») in General, but to a large extent (according to the number of respondents – parents of applicants) are also literally parents and their children – direct relatives. Respondents are also representatives of two different epochs in the development of Russian society. These circumstances make it more important to compare the opinions and assessments of representatives of two different generational groups on the problem of poverty-relevant in worldview, political and socio-managerial relations. The article focuses on the opinions and positions of respondents on the following issues: «Do you agree with the statement: «Poverty is the just lot of those who are unable to ensure the well-being of themselves and their loved ones»?» and «How would you describe the standard of living of your family?» The majority of parents ‘ generation shows a democratic-negative attitude to poverty as an injustice at any level of their family’s life. But the generation of children more categorically and definitely recognizes poverty as an injustice, compared to the generation of parents. One or another social and financial situation of an individual and his family influences the perception of the problem of poverty, but not to a decisive extent. This situation proves that when analyzing and evaluating the social situation in relation to poverty and social inequality in Russia at the present stage, it is necessary to take into account not only the economic, but also the non-economic nature of social inequality, and at the same time the corresponding «deformations» in the characteristics of the poor (and poverty). The majority of Russians (of different generations) expect from the state objectively necessary «social investments», first of all, in education and health care and in overcoming mass poverty-especially the less well-off strata. The problem of poverty (and with it inequality) is important not only in socio-economic terms (from the point of view of rationality and efficiency, for example, of economic policy). This problem, directly or indirectly, also has a cultural, moral and ideological significance-especially in the aspect of social justice/injustice. Accordingly, the problem of poverty (and with it inequality) affects the socio-political state of society, the moral and political atmosphere in society. In this regard, the social policy of the state, willingly or unwittingly, is perceived and evaluated in public opinion not only in relation to the «rationality» of this policy, but also in relation to its «morality». All these points (separately and in a complex, in conjunction with each other) must be reflected in one way or another in sociological research. Due to the high level of socio-economic inequality, public policies on social security and social investment are becoming increasingly important. Clarification of various aspects of the problem of poverty is important both in the interests of worldview and in the interests of social management practices.
Prospects for the Development of Sociology in Russia in the XXIst century (discussion with V. Ilyin, K. Clement, I. Olimpieva, E. Zdravomyslova, A. Temkina, A. Kondakov, M. Burawoy, March 24, 2015)
