The article shows that the main factors constraining socio-cultural modernization are social inequality and low standard of living. A swift modernization development requires the presence of a favorable environment that gives an impetus to the society for modernization, as well as certain (modern) level of innovation, technological and socio-cultural development. In addition, the advantages and problems related to the assessment of modernization in the regions of the Federal District, based on the methodology developed at China Center for Modernization Research, the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Modernization is considered as a process that leads not only to technological and innovation progress, but mainly to favorable changes in society and to the improvement of human potential with the preservation of traditions and cultural heritage. The study has found out that the hampering of modernization in the Northwestern Federal District includes two aspects: economic and cognitive. For most of the territories the main reasons hindering the processes of modernization are lack of resources, low share of industries with high added value, low level of development of R&D sector. We also note that one of the most acute problems lies in extremely high level of regional differences. The level of life in the regions differs in several times, which also impedes modernization in all Russia’s territory. Social inequality in the society is deepening due to the fact that many social institutions that are to serve as the means of social mobility do not work. Due to the above problems, modernization requires political will and effective public administration. The main task of the government that speaks about modernization is to conduct a forward-looking policy and institutional reforms aimed equally at the development of innovations, new technological structure, and the development of civil society, cultural values and standards that allow people to realize their potential to the fullest extent
Keywords
population, modernization, socio-cultural dynamics, subjects of modernization