THE MIDDLE CLASS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: DETERMINANT FACTORS OF FORMATION

Abstract: The research of the middle class formation process in the Republic of Moldova is of major importance, as it allows to identify its main elements and the possibilities of formation under the current conditions. The article presents the results of the sociological study on the premises of the middle class formation in the Republic of Moldova, carried out during June-September 2016. The results from this study show that the society is distributed in 6 social strata that vary by socio-professional status, level of education and level of wellbeing. The status inconsistency and low level of status crystallisation are characteristics for all strata within the conditions of dysfunctionality of logical chain: education-social occupational status-welfare. As per the research, the process of classes’ formation is just at the initial stage in the Republic of Moldova. The analysis of the social strata in terms of middle class criteria: high socio professional status, high education level, high level of welfare, shows some prospects of formation of the middle class in the upper strata within the following conditions: development of wage policies; reforming tax policies by promoting the progressive taxation of income; ensuring equitable distribution of wages according to work; elimination of corruption in power structures; improving legislation; ensuring access of the population to decision – making process; creating favourable conditions for development of small and medium business; development of a transparent environment for the market economy; guaranty of fair conditions to population to ensure access to education and health services