Subjective Well-Being of Russians Through the Lens of Life Goal Attainment: Dynamics and Differentiation

Subjective Well-Being of Russians Through the Lens of Life Goal Attainment:
Dynamics and Differentiation


Мareeva S.V.

Cand. Sci. (Sociol.), Head of Centre HSE University, Moscow, Russia; Leading Researcher Institute of Sociology FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russia smareeva@hse.ru

Slobodenyk E.D.

Cand. Sci. (Sociol.), Senior Researcher HSE University, Moscow, Russia; Senior Researcher Institute of Sociology FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russia eslobodenyuk@hse.ru

ID of the Article: 11033

Rubric: Economic sociology. Sociology of Work

For citation:

Мareeva S.V., Slobodenyk E.D. Subjective Well-Being of Russians Through the Lens of Life Goal Attainment: Dynamics and Differentiation. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. 2026. No 7. P. 3-15


 Full Text.


Abstract

Based on survey data from the Institute of Sociology FCTAS from 2003–2024, the article examines Russians’ life goals, their inclusion in life plans, and perceived attainability, as well as the relationship between these characteristics and both objective and subjective well-being. It is shown that the structure of life goals is stable and has not undergone significant changes over the past two decades. Its core is formed by goals related to the micro-level of everyday life (social ties, including family, and social norms of a “normal” life), professional self-realization, and autonomy. Goals in the sphere of material wellbeing are highly valued but difficult to achieve; as a result, this sphere constitutes a key zone of tension, where inequality is perceived as particularly acute. In contrast, goals related to high social status and influence are not essential elements of the life model shared by the majority of Russians. It is demonstrated that differences in both objective and subjective well-being are more strongly associated with perceived attainability of life goals than with the set of life aspirations itself.


Keywords
life goals; subjective well-being; socio-economic well-being; ill-being; subjective ill-being; social inequality; Russian society

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Content No 7, 2026