The social state in Russia: a new agenda

Abstract

The pandemic and recession convergence is shaping new trends and an extraordinary agenda for the social state in Russia. The recombination of social functions was also prepared by the constitutional reform of 2020, which, firstly, carried out the detailing of Article 7 of the Constitution (social state) and, secondly, it established the principles of social justice, the civilization of the state and society. The authorities responded to these challenges by developing an anti-crisis plan for the next three years (2020-2022), which is expected to break the negative trends and help achieve de-escalation of poverty, gradually adapt the Russian economy to the recession, restore growth (up to the level of 2019) and reach new frontiers of development and prosperity. As part of this strategy, the authorities help and assist: a) families with children, the unemployed and low-income people, and the creation of new jobs; b) small and medium-sized businesses; and c) systemic enterprises (tax benefits, investment, maintaining employment, etc.). The article examines the phenomenon of the social state, highlighting the most informative ideas expressed before and after the 2020 constitutional reform. The authors show diversification and intensification of the social mission of the state in Russia, the conditions for moving towards a social contract involving responsible business and active citizens (new partners). The contours of the precariat in Russia (groups in a precarious socio-economic situation) are outlined, and the need for increasing investment in human capital (medicine, education, culture, and sports) is substantiated. Social provisions and investments are needed before and after the 2021 election whatever the rate of economic growth.