Russians suffer from cognitive dissonance

Novye Izvestia has already cited the most interesting data published in the report "13 Theses on the Economy" by the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting.

In general, after analyzing these data, the CMASF experts draw rather unexpected conclusions, the essence of which boils down to the notorious “cognitive dissonance” inherent in the citizens of the country today. And that's why. Russians are too positive in their expectations of economic recovery in the country, experts say, who believe that if the situation develops according to a negative scenario, then a sharp increase in social tension is possible in the country.

Experts rely on surveys of the leading sociological centers of the country about the economic mood of Russians in three periods of time: on the eve of the crisis, during the first March shock, and at the present time. They show that compatriots are extremely optimistic about the economic future. In July 2022, expectations were at their highest levels. The positive assessment of the prospects for living standards, production and the unemployment situation was higher than in the past few years.

According to the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting experts, these indicators indicate that the majority of the country's inhabitants approve of the actions of the authorities and the chosen course of policy. But at the same time, Russians have been negatively assessing the situation of their families since the pandemic, and today they are looking rather gloomy at their future.

As a result, there is a "fork" between assessments of personal situation and relatively positive assessments of the future. At the same time, experts believe that ahead of Russia is not an improvement, but a worsening of the economic situation. But the majority of people don't think so.

“Thus, two conflicting ideas collide in the minds of people - an optimistic assessment of the country's prospects and a pessimistic assessment of their own future”, - political scientist Konstantin Kalachyov comments on the situation on his channel.