The Middle Class in Contemporary Russia: Indicators of Progressiveness and Innovativeness

Abstract This article examines the heterogeneity of the middle class in contemporary Russia, focusing on the dimensions of progressiveness and innovativeness. Using survey data from 3,000 urban middle-class respondents, the study develops multidomain indices to measure progressiveness and innovativeness across employment, consumption, financial behavior, and attitudes. Findings reveal that while the Russian middle class is generally characterized by openness to change and stability, significant differences exist within its subgroups, especially across age groups. The research highlights that public sector employees are in line with the others in terms of progressiveness and innovativeness. Youth and those in higher professional and material positions are most likely to combine progressive and innovative traits.