Results of our studies

MOSCOW, 19 April 2022. As part of a special project with MIA Rossiya Segodnya, Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the findings of a study marking the 152d anniversary of the birth of Vladimir Lenin.

What we remember about Lenin

More than a third of Russians perceive Vladimir Lenin as a revolution leader (37%); this is followed by the “leader of the world's proletariat” (16%) and “head of state” (15%). Fewer respondents perceive him as the founder of the USSR (6%); 5% consider him as a leader of the USSR, and 5%, as a head of the Communist party. Only 2% of respondents do not know who Vladimir Lenin was.

One-third of Russians believe that in fifty years Lenin will be remembered primarily as the founder of the Soviet state (32%). A quarter of respondents think that he will be remembered as a leader who put the interests of the workers above all (26%); 13% say that in fifty years Lenin will remain in people’s memory as a prudent politician who imposed his will on a huge country (13%); 12%, as a great thinker who could predict the future. Every tenth respondent considers that he will be best remembered as a successful political risk taker (11%). Twenty-nine percent of Russians say that no one but historians will remember Lenin in fifty years.

Thinking of Lenin as a leader who acted in the interests of the workers is a more popular opinion today than previously (26%, +9 p.p. — 17% in 1995). The percentage of those who perceive Lenin as a successful political risk taker has returned to the 1995 levels; twelve years ago the number of respondents who shared this opinion was  four times as small  (3% in 2010), and 22 years ago twice as small (6% in 2000). The number of those who think that no one will remember Lenin except for historians has decreased compared to 2000s (−10 p.p., 39% in 2010).

Thirty-seven percent of Russians consider that the activities of Vladimir Lenin brought more good to Russia. A further 32% say he caused both good and harm. Twenty-one percent of Russians think he did more harm to Russia.

Lenin as viewed by youth 

Young Russians do consider Lenin a leader of the world’s proletariat (the 18-24-year-olds almost did not mention this characteristic (1%)). However, every eighth respondent in 25–34 age group gave the same answer, which is close to sample average (12%).

Russians aged 18-24 are more likely than other age groups to point out that in 4-5 decades Vladimir Lenin will be remembered as a prudent politician (22%) and successful political risk taker (27%; total respondents — 11%). Russians aged 25-34 are less likely to think the same way (18% and 13% respectively). Respondents in this age group think that Lenin will be remembered as the founder of the Soviet state (41%) and a leader who prioritized the interests of the working class (37%); these viewpoints are more common for these age groups than for the sample average.

Young Russians aged 18-24 are less likely to think that only historians will remember Lenin in fifty years compared to older age groups (36% of the 45-59-year-olds; 11% of the 18-24-year-olds). Both youth age groups are less likely to say that Lenin’s activity did more harm to Russia than good: this opinion is popular with older generations (15% of the 18-24-year-olds; 16% of the 25-34-year-olds; 26% of the 35-44-year-old).  

 

Russian nationwide telephone VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted April 12, 2022. A total of 1,600 of Russians aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Results are based on telephone interviews. Stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers was used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

 

Let’s change the topic. April 22d marks the 152d anniversary of Lenin’s birthday. Do you know who Vladimir Lenin was? If so, describe him in 2-3 words.  (open-ended question, up to 3 answers, % of total respondents)

 

Total respondents

Ages 18-24

25-34

35-44

45-59

60 +

Revolutionary / he led /made a revolution  / leader of the revolution

37

36

35

38

44

32

Leader of the world’s proletariat

16

1

12

17

22

16

Head of the country/government / head of state / leader

15

10

17

20

11

16

He founded/set up the USSR

6

7

3

4

7

7

Head/chief/leader of the USSR / first leader of the USSR

5

11

7

6

3

4

Head/leader of the Communist party

5

3

8

4

4

4

Politician / statesperson

4

6

5

5

3

4

The leader of the people

4

5

6

4

2

4

Great person/politician/leader / extraordinary figure

4

0

4

3

5

4

Communist / he struggled for communism

3

3

4

5

2

3

Bolshevik / bolsheviks’ leader

3

2

3

3

3

3

Negative attitude / wrong policy / bad person

3

0

3

2

4

3

Smart / skillful

3

2

2

1

3

5

He lies in a mausoleum

2

5

4

3

2

1

I have no idea who Lenin is

2

15

4

1

0

0

Reformer / he changed history / he changed the life of the country

2

3

1

2

3

2

Other

6

3

6

3

5

8

Don’t know

7

18

11

6

4

6

In your opinion, what will people remember about Lenin in 40-50 years?   

(closed-ended question, up to 3  answers, % of those who know who Lenin was)

 

1995

2000

2010

2022

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-59

60 +

A founder  of the Soviet state

30

34

25

32

32

41

25

31

33

A leader who prioritized the interests of the working class first

17

18

18

26

24

37

28

20

24

A prudent politician who could impose his will on a huge country ,

19

13

8

13

22

18

13

10

10

A great thinker  who was able to predict the future

10

11

8

12

9

9

7

11

18

A successful political  risk taker

12

6

3

11

27

13

13

8

6

A violent dictator ready to sacrifice the lives of millions

12

7

6

7

10

7

8

6

5

A person who did not understand and, did not love Russia

5

2

3

3

5

0

6

1

2

No one but historians will remember about him

25

36

39

29

11

18

29

36

32

Don’t know

14

8

10

7

4

5

10

6

7

In your opinion, did the Lenin’s activities bring more harm or good to Russia?

(closed-ended question, one answer, % of those who know who Lenin was)

 

Total respondents

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-59

60 +

More good

37

37

35

26

39

44

Equally harm and good

32

38

35

34

32

28

More harm

21

15

16

26

21

21

Don’t know

10

9

13

14

9

7