TRENDS IN MORTALITY OF THE SOVIET POPULATION

Two prominent American demographers present an up-to-date study of trends and countertrends in mortality of the Soviet population; discussed are variations (by republic and over time) in life expectancy, infant mortality, and mortality in the working ages. Analyzing trends since 1959, the authors highlight problems relating to the quality and interpretation of pertinent statistical data of Soviet origin. Distinguishing real trends from pseudotrends, they evaluate mortality differences among regions and illustrate a more favorable long-term trend in mortality than suggested by official figures (nonetheless, because of error in official statistics, actual rates are generally higher). Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: 052, 123, 841. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.