Which was better "Russian Federation" or USSR which life was good for the common man in Russia?

Very-very good and difficult question...
There are A LOT of differences bethween USSR and Russia of present time.
My vote goes to current Russia, but huge amount of people regret about Soviet Union break-up.

Many people the world over are quite upset with the way that USSR has fallen and they sure have regrets about the fall of the USSR even now it makes them speechless.

Looking at it from outside (I am a Brit), I can't see how one can compare the 2 societies.

The Soviet Union was a monolithic planned economy socialist one-party state, whilst the Russian Federation is a plural democracy with market economy.
Both types of systems have their pros and cons, but are diametrically opposed.

There will certainly be difference in all aspects for the people living there, People from outside will not know about the internal changes.

Rinku wrote:There will certainly be difference in all aspects for the people living there, People from outside will not know about the internal changes.

I noticed that it is far easier for foreigners to travel to Russia now than under the Soviet government!
When I first went in 1982, I was restricted and followed all the time. That doesn' exist anymore.

There are far more goods in the shops, lots more cars, people are better dressed.
Russia feels modern now, with fashion, high tech., advertising, etc...
People seem to enjoy a better standard of living, have their own flat, drive cars, go on holidays abroad, buy foreign goods.

Even a foreigner can see that!! Prices have gone up too!!

I would say USSR was much better than today's Russian Federation or say CIS countries, that time you were able to visit all countries starting from Ukraine to Uzbekistan. And products were very cheap. Things were much better than today.

I already got a very "Western" sense when I visited St. Petersburg - it could definitely fall under Europe (it kind of does already I suppose) -- but I find it kind of comparable to another wonderful city such as Prague.

I have no idea how life was in the Soviet Union - except for the stereotypical shit we always saw in Holland. As a Dutchman I would say I am generally pro capitalism; although it has many negative effects too - in my sense Russia is doing a lot better than before - but this view is a bit jaded because we simply only heard bad stuff about the Soviet Union.

I would say for sure now, in Russia, life's better than one in USSR. You have possibility to travel abroad, you have right and possibility to choose your own life, your job and so on, you have some choice after all. As my grandparents say about old times - I can't see a lot of good, and either do they.

Can anyone help me please I'm trying to find someone interested in network marketing in Russia?
Many thanks,
Alan Hill UK.
Mail: trl@onetel.net