Gallup: Ukrainians are getting a bleaker outlook on life
According to research by Gallup, 36% of Ukrainians consider themselves to be “suffering”, the highest figure among post-Soviet states. Only 9% consider themselves to be prosperous, compared to 21% in 2011.
Ukrainians estimate their quality of life by 4 points out of 10, according to a study by the sociological institute Gallup, the results of which were published on Monday, January 4th. This is the lowest quality of life rating for Ukrainians ever. In 2007, this mark reached its highest level, peaking at 5.3 points. Moreover, Ukrainians hope that in five years they will live at 5.2 points out of 10, which is also a historic minimum for such a survey. In 2007, Ukrainians believed that this figure would be 6.1 points 5 years later.
Researchers have noted a growing dissatisfaction with living standards among the population of Ukraine. Only 17% are satisfied with their standard of life, while a year ago the figure was 27%. 79% of respondents gave the worst indicator to the state of Ukrainian economy today (in 2014 it was 62%). There is a marked difference in the assessments of quality of life between the inhabitants of Western and Eastern Ukraine (4.6 points and 3.8 points, respectively), as well as the North and South (4.4 points and 3.2 points, respectively), as those in the West and South are closer to the seemingly relentless hostilities between the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Russian-backed separatists.
The number of "flourishing" Ukrainians who consider their quality of life to be high is 9%, an all-time low. In 2011 that number was 21%. At the same time, the number of "suffering" Ukrainians increased. These were the respondents who assessed their life by 4 points or less. According to the study, they comprise 36% of the surveyed population. This is the highest indicator of discontent among post-Soviet countries.
"The low level of own life assessment is a likely indicator of dissatisfaction with the ongoing political, social and economic problems, as well as the general discomfort caused by the unresolved conflict in the east of Ukraine", Gallup Polling explained, noting that such assessments will remain at current levels until the political and economic situation in the country stabilizes.
Institute staff conducted interviews with thousands of people in Ukraine except the general public from the annexed peninsula of Crimea and people living in the self-declared republics in the Donbas region. The respondents were at least 15 years old and they were surveyed in July and August of 2015.
While many Ukrainians look forward to economic and social integration with Europe, the Ukrainian government has acknowledged that progress will be slow for for many facets of the Ukrainian political and economic framework. The key is to not let disillusionment obstruct this process.