Pension plans of the younger generation of the Russians: state paternalism or subject partnership?

Abstract

Purpose. To analyse the existing pension policies of youth in the context of the reform of the pension system of the Russian Federation, to identify dominant orientations at different ways of pension benefits development. Methods. Applied sociological study is performed as a qualitative research strategy. The authors used in-depth interview method and the method of focus-groups as the methods of data collection. The analysis of the obtained empirical information is made through building qualitative typologies. Results. The study identified a range of factors that determine paternalistic or partnership orientation of young generation groups in developing future pension benefits. Youth targeting at the paternalistic model of future pension benefits development is the dominant orientation (youth expects that their pension benefits problems will be solved by the State). A small percentage of young people (not very much), is ready to invest a portion of their incomes in their future pension, but not pension funds, while traditional sources of investment: real estate, deposits, securities, believing that this would solve the pension issue in the future. Scientific novelty. • Defining the inconsistency between decisions of public authorities to improve pension provision for citizens, and willingness of the young generation of modern Russia to participate in implementation of those decisions. • Identifying youth generation groups willing to participate in interactions with the State on issues of future pension benefits development. • Application of qualitative strategy of sociological research to identify the effectiveness of the authorities' activities of pension benefits development. Financing. The study is done with the financial support of RGNF within the research project "Retirement strategies of the younger generation of the Russians," project № 15-33-01012.