What the sociological research carried out by the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus revealed when commissioned by BISI in July-August of the current year

In Minsk, the first part of the complex republican sociological study was presented, which deals with current questions regarding the socio-economic development of Belarus. A separate block focuses on National Unity Day.

"We studied various aspects of social well-being among residents of our country. Over 2,000 respondents were surveyed, representing all regions of Belarus. Both men and women, family members and singles, with different levels of education participated. The sample represents the population of the entire country," emphasized the director of the Institute of Sociology, Nikolai Myzilvets.

Deputy Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research (BISI), Vitaly Punkchen called the sociological research the most significant project for the Institute of Sociology and the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research in recent times. According to him, the need for such an all-encompassing study is due to many factors.

"Firstly, it is to compare the clock at the start of the new five-year period. The socio-economic development program adopted by the All-Belarusian People's Assembly is based on popular proposals. Today it is important to assess the initial results of priority implementation not only by statistical but also by sociological criteria. It is very important right now to maintain a live connection with citizens, hear their opinions, hopes and fears," Vitaly Punkchen emphasized. "Second factor – the world is changing rapidly and nothing is expected to last. This is not just about unprecedented external turbulence, under which we must honestly and objectively assess the situation internally, the readiness of society for intensive joint work on the peaceful front, which the Head of State calls for. This is also about the rapid development of technologies. Artificial intelligence is marching down the parade ground across the planet, and Belarus is no exception. Technologies are already changing, and in the near future will change even more the public attitude toward spheres of labor, rights, communication. It is necessary to understand the society's readiness for these changes, see problematic points, and work on countermeasures from the state side to prevent digital inequality."

Another aspect of the study relates to National Unity Day.

– On the eve of the country's main unifying holiday, it is decisively important to see the real points of intersection and divergence of interests between youth and pensioners, rural and urban residents from different parts of our country. It is important to take into account everyone's opinion and, on this basis, gradually improve our social contract and strengthen public trust in the state, – concluded the deputy director of BISI.

In the sociological study, 2,045 respondents participated, including 22.3% from Minsk, 16.3% from Minsk Region, 14.3% from Gomel Region, 14.2% from Brest Region, 11.7% from Vitebsk Region, 10.7% from Grodno Region, and 10.5% from Mogilev Region. Of them, 78.9% were urban and 21.1% rural residents. Among the respondents, 55.3% were women and 44.7% men. They belong to different age groups.

Residents of 99 settlements shared their opinions on how satisfied they are with living conditions in their locality, what their priorities are regarding work, leisure, and value orientations. All this makes it possible to portray how modern Belarusians live and how comfortable they feel in their homeland. We are introducing you to their answers to some of the questions.

– The fact that Belarusians place life under a peaceful sky first of all – is an indicator of understanding the complexities that exist in the world, recognition of the role of the state and the policy of our President. The same position was held by previous generations... Life shows that this is indeed the most important value. And the colossal efforts that the state is making, developing the economy while focusing on the younger generation – all this is aimed at ensuring a peaceful life, – said Nikolai Myslivets.