Perception of wealth in Russia: stereotypes and reality

The presented article analyzes the opinions of three generations of Russians about wealth as a value. The conclusions are based on the data of a qualitative study conducted by the focus group method (21 groups, 205 respondents) in 2023 in seven cities of the Russian Federation. The findings suggest that the historical and social context of the development of Russian society has not contributed to the legitimization of wealth and wealthy people. This was prevented by the discontinuity of Russia’s historical path, two fundamental changes in the social order in 1917 and 1991. Modern large fortunes have a short history. Society believes that the ways of their formation in the 1990s were dishonest, associated with abuse, corruption and criminality. Collective consciousness refuses to recognise the inheritance of these states as a legitimate way of acquiring high social status. Respondents believe that an honest path to enrichment should be associated with exceptional talent and selfless labour for the benefit of society. However, the components of a rich lifestyle (quality paid medicine, foreign travel) attract respondents.