At the origins of the Saratov zemstvo statistics: L. S. Lichkov

Abstract

Of great importance in the economic activities of the zemstvos was statistical work on determining the socio-economic condition of peasant households, which were the basis of the country’s productive forces. Zemstvo statisticians independently developed and improved the methodology for conducting them. L. S. Lichkov, who was one of the first to join the ranks of Zemstvo statisticians, made his contribution to it. The paper attempts to analyze methods for obtaining primary data, methods for processing them, methods for grouping digital material that were proposed by him. His practical activities as the head of the Zemstvo statistical service of the Saratov gubernia are also considered. The author concludes that the methodology for collecting and processing statistical material, which he proposed and used in his work, was relatively effective and, in general, made it possible to obtain complete and reliable information about the peasant community. Heading the Saratov statistics, L. S. Lichkov brought it into the category of advanced ones.

Keywords

• gubernia
• zemstvo
• peasant community
• census
• peasant gathering
• statisticians
• uyezd