Social structures undergo transformation with the transition to a market economy. This collection examines the role of inequality in the formation of economic elites and middle classes, as well as in the rise of poverty in transitional societies. Based on comparative analysis of social stratification, the contributors argue that the slowly reforming economies of the CIS had particularly high inequality and social polarization. Central Europe's transition countries have shown smaller increases in inequality. Many professional workers there have successfully entered the market economy. In contrast, a wealthy elite has emerged in Russia and other CIS countries amidst impoverishment and deprivation of a large part of the population. The book concludes with policy recommendation for social integration and social cohesion through investment in human capital and more effective public transfers.

Overview: Inequality and Transformation of Social Structures; V.Mikhalev
PART I: MARKET REFORMS, INCOME DISTRIBUTION AND SOCIAL STRATIFICATION
Transition and Social Structures: General Determinants of the Change; T.Piirainen
The Impact of Labour Markets: Social Mobility, Segmentation and Rereanking; V.Gimpelson
Winners of the Reforms: The New Economic and Political Elite; I.Szelenyi & C.Glass
Middle Classes in the Making in Central and Eastern Europe; G.Lengyel & P.Robert
Poverty and the Poor; A.McAuley
PART II: STRUCTURAL COMPARISON OF INEQUALITY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES AMONG ARCHETYPAL COUNTRY CASE STUDIES
Russia; N.Simonia
Poland; J.Gorniak
Czech Republic; J.Vecernik
Uzbekistan; R.Pomfret
Kyrgyzstan; V.Mikhalev & G.Heinrich

VLADIMIR MIKHALEV is a Senior Economist with Oxford Policy Management. He directed a major multi-country project on equality and social stratification for the UNU/WIDER and worked as World Bank advisor in Kyrgyzstan on social policy reform. He also worked for over ten years in the Russian Academy of Sciences.