Most of the respondents are not ready to take part in politics: most often because they do not see an opportunity to influence politics, or because of a lack of interest in this area. A fifth of respondents are ready to be more actively involved in politics. Respondents most often explain their unwillingness to participate in politics by saying that “politics are not for ordinary citizens”, that they “do not understand anything about politics” and are too busy with everyday affairs.
Assessing their participation in political life, respondents most often noted that “they are not interested in politics, they do not understand politics” (39%, in December 2018 – 40%), “there is still no opportunity to influence the events of political life” (25%, in December 2018 – 29%), “the most important thing is the fate of my native people” (19%, in December 2018 – 12%).
Respondents aged 18-24 (48%), Russians with secondary and lower secondary levels of education (48%) and rural residents (45%) were the most likely to report a lack of interest in politics. Respondents aged 40-54 (28%), respondents with higher education (29%) and Muscovites (32%) mentioned the lack of the opportunity to influence the events of political life more.
A fifth (22%) of respondents expressed their willingness to participate more actively in politics: “definitely yes” – 5%, “to some extent yes” – 17%. The majority – 78% – noted that they are not ready to get more involved in political activities. The greatest readiness is characteristic of respondents aged 18-24: one third of them (32%) expressed this possibility, the least – the oldest Russians (17%). Respondents with higher education (26%), Muscovites and residents of cities with a population of 100 to 500 thousand people (25% each) and the wealthiest respondents – those who can afford durable goods (25%) – also spoke about their willingness to take a more active part in politics.
Respondents who are not ready to participate more actively in politics, among the reasons for this choice are the following: “politics is not for ordinary citizens, the authorities are engaged in politics” (30%), “I don’t understand anything about politics” (29%), “I am busy with my daily affairs” (25%).
METHODOLOGY
The All-Russian Levada Center survey was conducted on April 20-26, 2023, on a representative All—Russian sample of urban and rural population of 1,623 people aged 18 years and older in 137 localities, 50 subjects of the Russian Federation. The study is conducted at the respondent’s home by a personal interview method. The distribution of responses is given as a percentage of the total number.
The statistical error in the sample of 1600 people (with a probability of 0.95) does not exceed:
3.4% for indicators close to 50%
2.9% for indicators close to 25% / 75%
2.0% for indicators close to 10% / 90%
1.5% for indicators close to 5% / 95%
ANO “Levada Center” is included in the register of non-profit organizations performing the functions of a foreign agent.