Kozyreva P.M., Nizamova A.E., Smirnov A.I. Towards a Happier Society in Russia. In: Life Expectations of the People. Research Series on the Chinese Dream and China’s Development Path. ...

Abstract

Russia is currently undergoing a process of deep and rapid modernization in multiple aspects, including economic, political, social, and spiritual life. These changes contribute to a major shift towards a more advanced, economically developed, and fair society. Such a society would enable the citizens to use their innovative potential in an efficient way, offer them more opportunities for development, and cater to their material and spiritual needs. As the challenges of the transformation period fade away, the socio-economic situation in the country is getting better; there are fewer people who struggle to survive and more who care about the quality of life and a higher level of well-being for their households. Contemporary social engineering is more concerned about making life safer and happier. Russians ceaselessly dream of happiness—both for themselves and for their friends and relatives. Every time they see new transformation coming, they try to bridge a connection to their personal dream of happiness and well-being related to the present moment or at least the foreseeable future. This dream, the quest for happiness, is so wide-spread in Russia that it makes one wonder: how happy are Russians? What do their feelings of happiness depend on? Does happiness have an impact on their present life and their plans for the future?