Sociocultural specifics of Russia’s regions: common features and differences

Abstract

There is abundant evidence of the correlation between culture (or sociocultural characteristics, by which we mean here values and behavioral attitudes shared by a certain community and changing slowly over time) and economic and innovation development. At present most studies have been carried out at national level. At the same time, sociocultural differences within the countries with a large territory and significant socio-economic and ethnic diversity (Russia, in particular) are understudied. The subject of the research is the differences in socio-cultural characteristics between Russia’s regions. The purpose of the paper is to determine the presence or absence of differences in socio-cultural characteristics according to G.Hofstede between the regions of Russia. The empirical basis for the study is data from representative polls, collected by the Russian Venture Company and the Institute for National Projects in 14 regions in 2018–2020. Econometric analysis (ecological approach) and univariate disperse analysis shows the existence of sociocultural heterogeneity between Russian regions measured with Hofstede characteristics: individualism and power distance (more pronounced differences) and uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation (less pronounced differences). Statistical differences between regions in masculine dimension are non-existent. Regions tend to form sociocultural clusters that are not explained by geographic, socio-economic or ethnic factors separately. The results are useful for the analysis of sociocultural drivers and barriers for regional development, as well as for institutional design, raising efficiency of formal institutions by harmonizing them with regional culture.