Social factors of territorial self-development in the Russian Arctic: results of sociological research in the Murmansk region in 2008-2017

Abstract

Abstract The article presents the results of a sociological study of factors of territorial self-development in the Murmansk region of the Russian Arctic. The dynamics of the sociological estimates of specific social factors for the period of 2008-2017 was analysed based on surveys conducted by the authors. The study revealed that in the group of factors of personal well-being, the main trend was deterioration, as perceived by respondents. This manifested in a decreased proportion of respondents who consider themselves middle-income and an increased proportion of those who consider themselves poor. The positive trends included a slightly increased level of satisfaction with life in general and a slender tendency towards growth in confidence of respondents in their future. In the group of factors of social well-being, contradictory trends were observed. Throughout the decade the socio-economic problems persisted, the most acute of which, as respondents reported, had been rising prices and low living standard. Estimates of approval of the activities of local and regional authorities were declining, and the level of social patience was decreasing. Nevertheless, the estimates of place attachment have been persistently high, and this can be regarded as a strong factor potentially contributing to the self-development of the region.