The Concept of Demographic Losses in the Holodomor Studies

Abstract

The main purpose of the article is to analyze the use of the term «demographic losses» in the study of the destructive events consequences for the population number and structure, in particular, the Holodomor of 1932 – 1933. Research methods: comparative, logical, historical, analysis and synthesis, systematic, historical-genetic, method of historiographical image. The paper studies leading concepts of demographic terminology. It is specially noted on little-known aspects of Ukrainian terminology legacy as like Yuriy Shevelov researches. The problems of modern Ukrainian and world terminology are described. The article reports on methodological toolkit for the creation of terms by domestic and foreign demographics. Ptoukha Institute for Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has been recognized as the leading scientific center for the demographic terms creation. Special demographic terminology, including functioning and purpose of the «demographic losses» concept is considered. The article is concerned with a significant tradition of the population history. The meaning of the «demographic losses» concept for studying past social disasters is investigated. The author outlines the main components of the term: the death rate and birth deficiency. The article reveals this concept and scrutinize it critique in historiography. The semantics of the term in scientific literature and demographic dictionaries is covered. Special attention is given to replace the notion of demographic losses with similar indefinite terms: victims, deaths, deaths, etc. The use of the term in the study of the demographic history of Ukraine during the Holodomor of 1932-1933 is emphasized. Practical significance: recommended for use by authors of articles about the population history.

Keywords

• terminology
• holodomor of 1932-1933
• demographic losses
• demography
• population
• methodology