Work in Progress


Abstract: This paper investigates the trends in consumption inequality in Russia over the last two decades. Despite significant challenges and transformations during this period, the economy has sustained growth. The majority of studies using RLMS (Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Study) data suggest that income and consumption inequality is declining, while others report no changes in consumption inequality using different data sources. I revisit the question of consumption inequality dynamics over the last two decades using RLMS and addressing measurement error. Using analysis of high-and low-income household expenditures on luxuries versus necessities, this study finds that consumption inequality has been rising between the bottom and middle of the income distribution while remaining stable between the top and bottom-income households. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a growing gap between the bottom 40% and upper-middle households.


Abstract:  Information manipulation has been an effective tool of political control for autocracies throughout the 20th century and is increasingly used nowadays. Evidence shows that obvious propaganda poses a trade-off for the regime by generating negative attitudes among people with the opposite views. Unlike earlier "crude" state propaganda aimed at reshaping individual beliefs , current so-called "soft" propaganda minimises  this trade-off by affecting beliefs about political accountability for the observed reality.  I document the effect of soft propaganda on citizens’ beliefs by examining exposure to a Russian state-run annual TV program with Vladimir Putin. By utilizing individual-level survey data collected around the program’s air date from 2012 to 2019, I study the program’s impact on a wide range of outcomes, including personal well-being, trust in institutions, and democratic values. The findings suggest that soft propaganda is more effective than its "hard" version: not only it boosts trust in the regime, it also prevents developing negative attitudes towards the regime.  


Abstract: Long work hours have been identified as a key contributor to gender inequality in work and family outcomes. This study explores the potential impacts of significantly reduced work hours, without a reduction in pay, on gender disparities in the allocation of household responsibilities and work balance. We collected pre- and post-study data across six English-speaking countries from employees who participated in a four-day week campaign over six months. Specifically, we analyse time spent on childcare, housework, care activities and sleep, as well as perceptions of work-life balance and work-family balance across genders and parental statuses. The results indicate that although gender norms in time allocation persist, women benefited from increased leisure and sleep time and improved work balance. Reduced work time is shown to be an effective policy for addressing gender inequality, though it should be complemented with other measures targeting persistent gender roles.