MODIFICATIONS IN THE SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF RUSSIAN SOCIETY IN MODERN CONDITIONS (ON THE MATERIALS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA)

The article examines the problems of changing the social structure of Russia (based on materials from Buryatia) in the process of the transition of Russian society to market relations, the transformation of the old and the emergence of new social groups. The economic foundations of these changes are revealed – public ownership of the means of production, the formation of its various forms. The characteristic of population differentiation by types of activity, standard of living is given. Attention is drawn to the growing polarization in society – the growth of wealth and poverty. The reasons for the increase in the number of unemployed and homeless people, their social status and lifestyle are revealed.