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What Russians mean by normalno is much the same as what English-speakers mean, according to evidence of New Russia Barometer surveys. However, because of political transformation for years Russians have not been living in what they regard as a normal society. NRB surveys show that the percentage of Russians seeing society becoming at least somewhat normal is increasing. Moreover, the obstacles to normality are not seen as inherent in Russian culture or history but as faults that the government could and ought to correct, such as corruption and unemployment. The majority of Russians expect that by a quarter-century after the start of perestroyka Russia will be normal. This assessment reflects the increasing stability and order in Russian society and the readiness of Russians to settle for a second-best, less than ideal society.
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