The social structure of Russian society has five main layers. The highest class is representatives of the ruling elite, as well as large businessmen who can secure financial independence for themselves. Among the representatives of the "top" of Russian society is a fairly small part of the country's citizens. Between the elite and the middle class today there is one layer that is only just beginning to emerge. These are various medium and small entrepreneurs, as well as managers and owners. The petty bourgeoisie can also be attributed here.
Modern Russian society has generated this social level, however, its development is extremely slow. People who are at this stage of development have more means and privileges than the middle class. However, they have not yet secured financial independence for themselves. Some of them have material means, except for providing themselves and their family with financial security.
The social structure of modern Russian society has one of the largest strata of the population - the basic. He is so motley that these people are difficult to unite among themselves, if you do not take into account their actions in the process of restructuring society and the level of prosperity. This layer includes intellectuals, peasants, and workers with good qualifications. There are both people with higher education and professionals without special education, but with a certain experience in their work. All of them are distinguished by the desire to adapt to the new structure of society and maintain their position.
The social structure of Russian society has a lower layer. He is also quite motley. It includes low-skilled workers, as well as refugees and displaced persons. All these people have something in common. Namely - low incomes at the cost of living. For some of them, incomes drop even lower. According to statistics, the bulk of society in Russia consists of a base and lower layer. They are the so-called "people". The social structure of Russian society would be incomplete without a phenomenon called the “social bottom”. Some researchers do not even include this category of citizens in the general scheme. However, these people are also part of the society of modern Russia, their views and behavior are due to the corresponding phenomena of reality.
Who is in this category? Of course, these are homeless people, women of easy virtue, alcoholics and drug addicts. But also representatives of the criminal environment, for example, pimps, should be included here. They live much better than their wards, and even than the middle class. However, their mentality is close to the worldviews of the social bottom. Also, thieves, assassins and other "interesting" personalities should be included in this category . The bottom of society is isolated from all other classes. People who fall into this category have almost completely lost their skills in legitimate activities. Some of them are forced to lead such a life, and some are simply used to it.
Changing a person who finds himself in such an environment is very difficult, and sometimes impossible. Some representatives of the social bottom are not against normal life, but can no longer abandon their addictions. The worldview of these people may be too vague for representatives of other social categories. After all, it is due to being in specific conditions. It can be dens, prisons, drug barriers, various shelters. It is noted that people of this group have much in common in their outlook on life. Not only the social structure of Russian society has a social bottom. This layer exists in all countries. And everywhere you can follow a similar outlook on life.