FominM.V., BezverbnyV.A., SeleznevI.A., LukashenkoE.A., MikrykovN.Y., MiriazovT.R. SpatialDevelopmentoftheAmurRiverRegions: SocialAspect. Far Eastern Affairs. 2021. No. 3. Pp. 160-174. DOI:10.31857 ...

Abstract

The article deals with the actual problems of spatial development of the Russian Amur River regions – the Khabarovsk Krai, the Amur Oblast` and the Jewish Autonomous Oblast`. The results of a field sociological study conducted by the authors in these regions in September 2020 are presented and also-for comparison – the social well-being of the population of the regions of the north and south of the Far East according to the results of the survey in August-September 2019. The sample is constructed on the model which is using key characteristics of the general totality and based on the principles of quota-proportional and territorial methods. The total sample size is 659 respondents. The empirical object of the study is the adult population of the regions. The social situation of the population of the Amur River region, migration attitudes and attitudes towards labor migrants from abroad, the assessment of the economic situation and the dynamics of the development of key enterprises of the mesoregion are considered. The article considers the main causes of mass migration sentiments. The social stratification in the regions and the growing differentiation in income levels also remain a serious problem. The population of the Amur River region is acutely aware of the growing income inequality in the mesoregion and points to the lack of social justice as an important factor in motivating moving to a new place of residence. In fact, in order to retain and attract the population to the Amur River region, it is necessary to maintain a higher standard of living in these regions than in European Russia. The remoteness and more severe climatic conditions of the Far East require compensatory mechanisms in other areas as well. Based on the results of the study, conclusions are made and recommendations are made.