Известия высших учебных заведений. Поволжский регион: Гуманитарные науки (Nov 2024)
Population literacy level in 1926–1939 (by the materials of Sverdlovsk region)
Abstract
Background. In Russia in the 1920s and 1930s, work was carried out to eliminate illiteracy and implement universal primary education. The purpose of the study is to find out how these events influenced changes in the literacy level of the population of the Sverd-lovsk region, a region whose level of urbanization increased significantly during the years of forced industrialization. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, we mainly used materials from the population censuses of 1926 and 1939, as well as information about the education system presented in statistical collections. Censuses reflect the literacy rate of the population before and after the introduction of universal primary education. During the specified time period, the administrative boundaries of regions changed several times in the country. To compare them, the QGIS geographic information system was used. The study uses historical-genetic, historical-comparative, statistical methods, and geoinformation analysis. Results. Quantitative changes in the network and student population of educational institutions at different levels are shown. The literacy level of men and women in cities, ru-ral areas and among the entire population in the age groups 9–19, 20–49, 50 and over, as well as 9–49 and 9 years and older in 1926 and 1939 was studied. A comparison was made of the literacy rates of the population of the region and the RSFSR. The magnitude of changes that occurred during the intercensal period was revealed. Conclusions. By 1939, the population of the region aged 9–19 years old had achieved almost absolute literacy, and those aged 20–49 years old were gradually approaching it. But literacy rates among the population 50 years and older remained comparatively low. The literacy level of women lagged behind the literacy level of men, slightly among young people and very much among the older generation. At the same time, literacy rates among women grew at a faster rate than among men. When comparing the Sverdlovsk region and the RSFSR, it is clear that among the population of the region as a whole, the proportion of literate people was slightly higher.
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