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Introduction. The study of the causes affecting the formation of the ecological situa- tion in various regions of Russia seems to be of relevance. The purpose of the paper is to identify trends and contradictions in the transformation of the socio-ecological system of a region by means of a case study of the Astrakhan Region. Materials and Methods. The materials used were the pieces of sociological re- search conducted in the Astrakhan Region in 2010-2016. Among the methods used were: questioning, interviewing, and analysis of statistical information. The study was conducted in terms of the systemic approach that combines the ecological and social components. Results. The analysis of the causes of the unfavorable ecological situation in the Astrakhan Region has been carried out. The study has revealed lack of awareness among the residents of the existing level of air and water pollution, which usually characterize the ecological aspects of the quality of life of people, directly affecting their health, work efficiency, and development of the territorial community. Discrep- ancy between the positive assessment of air and water quality and the real state of affairs in the region has been revealed. Discussion and Conclusions. The data obtained allow to draw a conclusion about the imbalance of the socio-ecological system of the Astrakhan Region and its un- stable state. The practical significance of the study is in the possibility of using the results of the research to predict changes in the socio-ecological system of a region and in the development of methodological recommendations on how to manage it.