The nature of the Soviet economic challenge to the world and to the United States is described in relation to standard of living, political influence, hegemony of Eastern Europe, and military power (Author/KM)

Presents two drafts of the Russian government's "Conception of Preschool Upbringing." Suggests in the first draft that goals for renovating the Russian kindergarten include enhancing child health, educational goals, and living conditions. Explores in the second draft the roles of individual development, interaction, learning, labor, and…

Discusses the state of the Soviet economy during the period of perestroika. Includes the level of output, rate of inflation, privatization, and proposals for economic reform. Assesses the stabilization program and possibilities of restructuring. Concludes that neither Mikhail Gorbachev nor perestroika are likely to survive the trials of inflation,…

The Republic of Moldova proclaimed its independence in 1991. Like other republics of the former USSR, during the last decade of the Twentieth Century, Moldova initiated social and economic reforms aimed at the country's transition to a market economy. A series of relevant social changes were achieved in Moldova but, contrary to initial estimates,…

Explains that the lack of preparation of teachers for work in rural areas, the excessive workload, and the poor working and living conditions have greatly impeded efforts of the Soviet Union to recruit and retain quality teachers in rural areas. (HOD)

This paper assesses the nature and extent of poverty in the USSR in the post-Stalin period, primarily in the decade after 1958. The author describes Soviet anti-poverty policies and discusses their impact. He notes that the Soviet government's ability to influence economic welfare and income distribution lies in its control over wage and salary…

To assist students in comparing living standards in the Soviet Union and Western Nations, a chart containing data from a 1982 survey of the retail prices of 179 selected consumer goods and services is provided. Prices were converted into worktime equivalents and the capital of each country, with the exception of Munich, was chosen to represent the…

Finds that Khrushchev's and Brezhnev's regimes are characterized by improvements in living standards and reduction in social equalities. However, each regime differs in regard to priorities and the pace of progress. Evaluation of the two eras must consider incremental, industrialization, and collectivization eras. (KC)

The prediction, planning and management of the social development of a rural region presupposed typologization of its communities. This study aimed to: build an overall social typology of the rural communities in Siberia; elucidate the role of employment structure among other type-forming factors of social differentiation; build a special typology…

Utilizing data derived from a questionnaire survey of the rural population of Novosibirsk province in the USSR, the following hypothesis was tested: the attitude of rural inhabitants toward urban and rural conditions is characterized by a considerable preponderance of positive evaluations of dominant rural conditions and transient urban conditions…

As plans for expansion of the emergency nursery school program were being considered in 1934, opportunity was offered for the author of this bulletin to visit some of the European countries and observe their programs. The Office of Education accepted this voluntary offer and the author, who had been loaned by the Office to the Federal Emergency…