In Search of Fair Social Welfare System — Dynamic of Attitudes Toward Universal Basic Income in Russian Society

Abstract

In recent years the concept of universal basic income (UBI) as regular payout of a basic subsidy to all people with no additional conditions or criteria attached has come to the general public’s attention as opposed to solely being discussed by experts and certain interested parties. Data from the first comparative study on public attitudes toward UBIconducted in various European countries (the ESS) and a comparable Russian social survey (RSS) from 2016–2017 revealed unprecedentedly high support for UBI in some countries, including Russia. A new round of the RSS for 2021 included the same question on UBI, with it being designed to answer the question about the persistence of such attitudes, all while addressing the reasons, motivational and structural factors influencing the public’s attitude toward UBI. Information and public discussions becoming more widespread resulted in an even further increase of support for UBI among Russian respondents. A person’s attitude towards UBI depends on socio-structural factors, personal needs, interests and risks, but also on values of social equality and fairness. The motivational foundation for supporting the concept, expectations associated with it differ between social groups, with age being the most dramatic distinguishing factor. People of older generations are more cautious in their attitude toward the new concept, while support for UBI among young Russians is very high. Despite the public’s generally favorable attitude towards UBI, the likelihood of potential conflicts and unmet expectations are very high. But regardless of practical implementation, high support for UBI speaks to society urgently demanding the current social security system be reformed, given the widespread dissatisfaction with how it operates in terms of efficiency and fairness.