Socio-economic inequality and altruism

Abstract

The article addresses the attitudes to inequality in the Russian society depending on the role of the individual in a reference group. It is shown that people are ready to accept significant income inequality if they believe that the income is well earned. No correlation was found between subjective well-being and inequality. The vast majority of people compare themselves with friends, neighbours and relatives. The next most important reference group is colleagues, followed by celebrities. The rejection of representatives of lower social classes is negatively correlated with life satisfaction. At the same time, the respondents expressed willingness to build a society where, having due means, people would organise help to those who cannot provide for themselves.