Survey data comparing the life aspirations of three generations of Russians show an increase from the level of the Soviet generation of young people to the perestroika generation, followed by a decline in the generation of young people who were born and grew up in today's "market" Russia. One chief cause of the downward dynamic of their demands and aspirations is social inequality in incomes, in people's standard of living and lifestyles, and the everyday life experiences of the cohort during the formative period. Involvement in public protests and demonstrations is more likely among the perestroika generation than the other two generations. (Contains 1 table and 2 notes.)