Changes in Lifestyles and living Conditions of the Rural Population of the Russian Central Federal District as a Factor in the Dynamics of Human Capital

Abstract

The article raises the issue of the dynamics of human capital of rural Russia of the Central Federal District with the example of the Yaroslavl area in conditions of depopulation and growth of return migration. On the basis of the results of the empirical research, using the methods of in-depth interviews and the search survey according to the structured questionnaire, the author examines the way of life and living conditions of the rural population from the perspective of the past, present and future. The article identifies key problems that are acutely felt and reflected by the inhabitants of the village: lack of jobs, opportunities for decent work in the countryside, poor roads and medical services, a low level of amenities and recreational activities. Also, based on the reasoning of the respondents, the author points out some positive aspects of life in rural areas: good ecology, availability and operation of kindergartens and schools, a relatively high level of development of digital technologies, a moderate, peaceful life. In conclusion, the author highlights the key factors influencing the lifestyle and quality of life of rural residents and concludes that, in the light of this situation, without State policy intervention in the development and preservation of human capital, Depopulation and atrophy of rural areas will continue.

Social issues of rural areas: social media open data analysis

“…A lot of studies of the quality of life and issues of rural areas can be found in Russian scientific literature. These studies are different: from those concerning separate settlements or municipal districts to those involving several regions [18][19]. Despite big differences in scales of the studies, geographical location of the analyzed rural areas, the applied method for determining quality of life, all those studies basically reveal the same set of quality of life issues typical for the rural areas.…”