"Quality of life" is a difficult concept to define, and particularly so when referring to the Soviet Union because Westerners have many preconceptions about Soviet living conditions. This volume goes a long way toward illuminating the realities of daily Soviet life and stands as an important contribution to our understanding of the Soviet Union. Contributors focus primarily on the relation of quality of life to living conditions but also discuss the quality and availability of state-provided services such as education, health care, and housing. Of special interest is their coverage of problems in Soviet society, including working conditions in factories, living conditions in rural areas, alcohol abuse, and the status of the elderly. Together these essays show that although the Soviet government has made great strides in improving the living conditions of its citizens, Soviet living standards and services are relatively poor by Western standards and several important social problems continue to burden the Soviet people.

About the Author
Horst Herlemann is an associate professor of political science at WA1/4rzburg University, Federal Republic of Germany.


Book Information
ISBN 9780367284886
Author Horst Herlemann
Format Hardback
Page Count 182
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 530g