Chernysheva N.V., Azhigulova A.I. Mortality of the population of Soviet Russia in the 1920-1930s: main research problems, factors and trends. Historical Courier. 2024. No. 3 (35). Pp. 41-53.

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of demographic processes in the 1920 years and 1930 years will help to understand the complexities of the modern demographic situation in Russia. Mortality, its factors, and trends were decisive in the processes of population reproduction. The ongoing Stalinist modernization, which included forced industrialization and complete collectivization, became the socio-economic reason for the interruption of the second stage of the demographic transition that had begun. A number of events, processes and factors such as the famine of 1921–1922, the famine of 1932–1933, migration from villages to cities, and the low level of medical care for the population caused high mortality rates. The most relevant methodology for studying the period under consideration is presented in the works of A.G. Vishnevsky (theory of demographic revolution), V.B. Zhiromskaya (idea of discontinuity of demographic transition), V.A. Isupov (theory of epidemiological transition), A.S. Senyavsky (urban transition). The state took a number of steps in the field of demographic policy, such as the decree of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR dated June 27, 1936, amendments to the Code on Marriage, Family and Guardianship. Measures aimed at the development of the health care system and health saving were carried out. There was progress in medicine, the population was vaccinated, the network of medical institutions expanded, but these actions were catching up. Mortality from exogenous causes became a key factor in the processes of population reproduction in the 1920 years and 1930 years.