Does Life Make More Sense Now? Young People’s Life Projects and the New Feeling of Stability in Russia

While most inhabitants of the Russian Federation remember the1990s as a period of “mess”, the early 2000s are commonly being associated with economic growth, more reliable household income and a higher degree of “stability” in general. The author tries to explore in various regional settings how the political idea of “stability” articulates with young people’s expectations about their future. The basis for this exploration is a twofold assumption: on the one hand, an economically more stable situation is conducive to planning one’s future; on the other, a general growth of income leads to a reduction of conflicts and aggression, more tolerance and a greater potential for the expression of personal predilections. The author corroborates this hypothesis by presenting his own research findings along with evidence from other scholars’ work (in the Komi Republic and adjacent Nenets Autonomous Okrug, and in Novosibirsk and its surroundings). In spite of this generally optimistic view, the author also points to new aspects of social exclusion. Furthermore, restoration of moral values and the state’s strong emphasis on patriotism partially contradict the general diagnosis of increased tolerance and a higher diversity of lifestyles.