Abstract: This article is dedicated to sociological analysis and sociological conceptualization of the phenomenon of social cohesion, analysis of the impact of social cohesion upon economic growth and quality of life of the population. The authors examine the evaluation criteria of social cohesion, which served as the foundation for analysis of results of different sociological surveys conducted in the Russian Federation over the recent years, for the determining the relevant degree of social cohesion in the Russian society. The article also raises the question of social cohesion as an important vector of social policy. In conclusion, the authors come to an opinion that social cohesion of population should be used along with the economic mechanisms for improving quality of life. The need for social cohesion of population becomes more relevant in the current context due to several reasons. Firstly, enhancement of the role of social capital in socioeconomic development of the country, which becomes the major resource of modernization processes in the conditions of globalization. Secondly, systemic outlook upon the problem demonstrates that social cohesion is an essential factor for retaining sustainability of socioeconomic development of territorial systems. It is evident, that the humanity is going to face a range of global challenges, such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, etc. In this case, only the countries with strong and developed social capital, high level of social cohesion would be more sustainable and capable to withstand global threats.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to studying the consumption of Internet in Russia. The author analyzes the dynamics of consumption of global network by regions of the Russian Federation. Special attention is paid to the use of Internet by population of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Comparative analysis is conducted to the situation in Bashkortostan overall, as well as urban and rural areas in particular. Attention is also focused on the correlation between two indicators: “Use of the Internet” and “Assessment by households of their financial situation”. The conclusions are structured on the analysis of relevant Russian and foreign publications covering the topic of the use of Internet, as well as statistical data for the period from 2010 to 2018 (based on the materials of the Russian Federal State Statistics Service and Bashkortostan Regional Statistics Service). The conducted research allowed determining the connection between the use of Internet and assessment by the households of their financial wellbeing. The acquired data can be used in forecasting of economic situation in the region, as well as carry applied relevance for commercial organizations, for the more efficient interaction with the consumers and improvement of goods and services.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the analysis of the materials of Bashkortostan characterizing the main results of sampling inquiry of the household budgets. The authors provide information on consumer spending of households overall, as well as in urban and rural areas. Special attention is turned to the comparative analysis of consumer behavior of urban residents and rural residents. The main expenditure items of the residents of the Republic of Bashkortostan are determined. The authors also analyzed the structure consumer spending in accordance with the consumption purposes, as well as assessment by each household of their financial situation, which also depends on the place of residence. The research method is the analysis of statistical data for 2010-2017 (based on the materials of Bashkortostan). The results testify to certain economic issues in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The acquired data may be used in forecasting the economic situation in the region. The examination of consumer behavior has an important applied meaning for commercial organizations (for the more efficient interaction with the consumers, as well as improvement of, for example, commodities and services).