ABSTRACT
This chapter places society and social policies within the context of the end of soviet socialism. It identifies the main ideas, institutions and actors involved in policy making. The chapter describes that the policies adopted by the government. It assesses the changes in health, social and welfare policies. The transition to democracy and capitalism is supposed to lead to the regeneration of Russia, to provide opportunities for material prosperity, political and social participation and inclusion. For the majority of Russian's, however, the reform process begun under Mikhail Gorbachev and accelerated by Boris Yeltsin brought only increasing despair and poverty. Vladimir Putin's concept of a strong Russian state included a belief in the importance of a prosperous, healthy and growing population. However, Putin believed that soviet-era paternalism could not be economically sustained, despite growing oil revenues. Putin also believes that state provision must be reduced and targeted through means testing to give those truly in need better benefits.
