METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING POVERTY IN RUSSIA IN THE CONTEXT OF RURAL-URBAN COMPARISONS

DOI 10.33305/2212-74

Issue № 12, 2022, article № 10, pages 74-83

Section: Development of rural territories

Language: Russian

Original language title: МЕТОДОЛОГИЯ ОЦЕНКИ БЕДНОСТИ В РОССИИ В КОНТЕКСТЕ СЕЛЬСКО-ГОРОДСКИХ СРАВНЕНИЙ

Keywords: POVERTY LEVEL, DISPOSABLE RESOURCES, MONETARY, TOTAL INCOME, ABSOLUTE POVERTY LINE, RELATIVE POVERTY LINE, LIVING WAGE, MEDIAN INCOME, DEPRIVATION, FOOD COSTS, SELF-ASSESSMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Abstract: The article presents the evolution of methods for assessing the spread of poverty in Russia from the pre-reform period to the present day. The differentiation of the material well-being of the population and the share of the poor in rural and urban areas is analyzed using various methodological approaches to their measurement. It is noted that the assessment of the level of poverty by total income somewhat reduces the rural-urban gap in this indicator. However, even with this measurement, as well as the use of non-monetary methods, it is obvious that the Russian poor are concentrated in rural areas. Based on an analysis of the new procedure for calculating the poverty border introduced in Russia from 2021, based on the median per capita cash income in the country and the percentage standard from its value, as well as the differences between this order and the methodology used in the EU, it was concluded that these borders are underestimated and statistically reduce the level of poverty in the country. It is justified that the transition from assessing the need for monetary income to a comprehensive assessment, including restrictions on the size of movable and immovable property, savings, leads to a significant reduction in the number of recipients of state social assistance, especially in rural areas. The main directions for improving the methodology and practice of accounting for the number of the poor, taking into account settlement and regional characteristics, are outlined in order to better cover the poor with state support and improve the effectiveness of policies to reduce poverty in the country and overcome its localization in rural areas.

Authors: Bondarenko Liudmila Vasilevna