Uncertainty in the status of Russian sociology and its further development continues to raise questions. Contemporary Russian sociology faces numerous challenges in improving its status in the international academy and wider Russian society. Internationally, regardless of their attempts to become an integral part of global sociology, Russian sociologists still discuss whether they need to construct their own sociology outlining specific topics and institutional patterns, similar to indigenous or Southern theory, or whether they should rather follow the way of mainstream Western theory. Long-lasting political fragmentation, dependence on the state funding for research and education contribute negatively to the further development of Russian sociology.