Challenges to social policy in Russia: A need for a new model

The article analyzes global and domestic challenges facing social policy in Russia dictating need for its revision. Among the common problems that developed countries are facing at present are social and economic consequences of globalization, the development of new technology and population aging. At the same time, the problems that characterize modern Russia are indicated, especially the low, although gradually increasing, life expectancy at birth; a low standard of living for a significant part of citizens, due to the insufficiency of labor incomes and social transfers; high inequality, largely associated with distorted wage differentiation and inefficient taxation; a decline in social security in the world of work, income insecurity and difficult access to social infrastructure, which gives rise to uncertainty about the future; the imbalance of the territorial distribution of the population, jobs and social infrastructure. In the article prospective directions of development of social policy in the developed countries are highlighted. The contours of a new model of social policy in Russia aimed at development of national human potential and based on dialectical unity of social and economic policy under the leading role of the state are outlined. Its priorities are substantiated: ensuring decent employment and supporting the social sphere, while maintaining subordinate role of social transfers. In authors’ opinion implementation of such a model of social policy is a necessary prerequisite for sustainable social and economic development of Russia.