Текст статьи.

Abstract

Based on an analysis of about 80 interviews taken in 7 Russian regions, career trajectories and attitudes of regional elites in the situation of the crisis of 2016 are considered. A socio-psychological analysis made it possible to reveal some patterns of behavior of the elite stratum in a situation of crisis. Career trajectories of successful regional elites are divided into at least two unequal groups: direct ascending career trajectories and trajectories with the change of professional niches. The fact that direct ascending career paths dominate allows us to speak about the majority of representatives of elite groups as a relatively stable stratum of professionals with accumulated professional experience. The social portrait of regional elites and their frame of mind testify to the high demonstrated level of their patriotism. This is confirmed by the fact that they link their future with Russia. With a few exceptions. They give children the right to make their own choices. The main thing is self-realization. An analysis of the materials received as a whole allows us to say that the level of optimism of elites is somewhat exaggerated. It is possible that about a third of the respondents do not want to “lose their face”.