THE HEAVY LEGACY OF FUNDAMENTAL SOCIO ECONOMIC REFORMS

The article analyzes the consequences of radical socio-economic reforms in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. The authors emphasize that reforms oriented toward Western development models led to serious social problems: a decline in living standards, rising inequality, the emergence of new social groups (the homeless, the destitute), and the enrichment of a narrow stratum of oligarchs. Special attention is paid to the long-term negative effects in key spheres of society. The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of key post-Soviet reforms (pension reform, housing and utilities reform, education reform, and reform of state institutions) in the context of their alignment with the interests of the majority of the population. The work employs a historical approach, a comparative method, a critical analysis of the socio-economic consequences of the reforms, and a synthesis of statistical and social data. The analysis showed that: (a) the pension reform did not take into account Russian traditions; (b) the housing and utilities reform led to the growth of bureaucracy, the emergence of management companies as instruments of corruption, and the complication of payment procedures; (c) the Bologna system in education caused an outflow of talented youth abroad and the formation of a "fifth column," although it also allowed for the modernization of some programs; (d) the reform of state institutions copied Western models without considering historical experience, which provoked crises, separatism, and the rise of populism. Consequently, the conclusion is drawn that copying Western models without adaptation to Russian realities has led to systemic problems. For sustainable development, it is necessary to: take into account national and regional specificities when planning reforms, prioritize the interests of the majority of the population over external recommendations, and adjust unsuccessful decisions in light of social justice and historical continuity.