Theory and Reality of Social Inequality

Abstract

The relevance of the study stems from the fact that social inequality is an insurmountable obstacle that has not only an economic, but also a politico-social nature of the manifestation of problem, the solution of which is only possible in case of implementation of fundamental and systemic changes in production and distribution of social goods. In this regard, this paper is aimed at identifying and disclosing the theoretic looks at the theory of social inequality. At the same time, the paper provides an extensive practical material on the real situation of the social inequality in Russia. The main methods for the study of this problem are statistical and comparative analyzes, which make it possible to consider the social standard of living of population from the perspective of social inequality in an integrated manner and in comparison with other countries. The paper contains the study and presentation of the Gini index (income concentration coefficient), decile assets ratio (coefficient of income differentiation), and other indicators of the social standard of living of population (the level of the subsistence minimum per capita, average monthly nominal wage, the ratio of the minimum monthly wage and the level of the subsistence minimum, the ratio between the minimum monthly wage and the average wage) over the past several decades. In addition, the average wage has been substantiated in the paper based on its median value; the results of the voting on the draft law on the introduction of the progressive tax on individual income, which was rejected due to the lack of a quorum of deputies, have been disclosed. The authors have identified a number of top-priority measures aimed at reducing the differentiation of population according to income level in Russia. The materials of this paper article are of practical value for the academic community and the leadership of the country with a view to reducing social inequality according to the income of population.