Standard of living

The standard of living is essentially equated with such a notion as the level of citizens' well-being. This is measured, as a rule, by GDP per capita indicators . In reality, however, it is impossible to equate the standard of living of the population with material goods. The capital, property and security of a citizen, of course, have a certain significance. But they are not the only factor.

In determining the standard of living, one must also be guided by intangible indicators. For example, human development index is of great importance in calculations. It includes the level of literacy of the population in the country, and the satisfaction of citizens with their work and place in life. Life expectancy and health are also very important. A rich, but sick person is unlikely to be happy. You can live in full material support, but at the same time constantly be exposed to various harmful to health factors. This includes stress.

The standard of living in a country like America is on the fourth place in the world. The first was safely occupied by a calm and secured Norway. In this country, not only a fairly high level of income, but also excellent medicine and relatively few stress factors. The standard of living in Russia is at around 66. This is also related to low incomes in a country where more than half of the population lives below the poverty line, as well as with dissatisfaction with politics, the social climate and other factors. The indicator of the standard of living can be compared with the famous Maslow pyramid. First, a person must meet the need for security, eliminate hunger and find housing. And only then he starts to realize his higher needs. In economically developed countries, the costs of self-education, travel and entertainment far exceed spending on food and clothing.

As for Russia, most of the income is still spent on food. This suggests that people simply satisfy those needs that can. Others, higher, are inaccessible to them. The standard of living can be assessed very simply. It is enough to know how people rest. In poor countries, places for pastimes are often bars and pubs. Rest in front of the TV is also not very positive characterizes the country.

In developed countries, citizens take the time to engage in those things that are really interesting to them. They can choose their profession to their liking and not be afraid to stay without earning money. In low-income countries, even a good education does not guarantee a successful career.

Estimating the income gap of different population groups in one country, the so-called Lorentz curve is usually used. If the society has equality in income, then the curve becomes straight. The sharper this line is, the more prerequisites in the country are to discontent.

Today, it is extremely disadvantageous for states to have a large income gap between different groups of the population. However, absolute equality will not bring anything good either. A small instability introduces a desire for a better life. Nevertheless, in most countries it is noted that 10% of the population accounts for 90% of the funds in the country. At the same time, the standard of living of citizens does not affect this indicator at all. Just one country has less people living below the poverty line, and in another - more.

Thus, in Russia, about 45% of the population receive only a tenth of all funds in the country. This causes discontent. Such a measure of the state, like progressive taxation, can hardly change the situation. The same can be said about the inheritance tax. All the collections will hit first of all on the most indigent part of the population.