Negative Phenomena in Social Sphere of Miners’ Towns and Settlements during Transition to Market Economy (1992–1999)

Abstract

The authors of the paper deal with preconditions, dynamics, substance and characteristics of negative phenomena in social sphere of miners’ towns and settlements under market transformations. Both common and local social problems of coal-mining regions are shown gradually, as well as reasons for their growth and decline. Specific facts emphasizing hard living conditions of population in miners’ towns and settlements are submitted. The authors think they were much worse than at the end of soviet period. The correlation of social problems and high protest activity is considered. The conclusion is drawn that financial conditions of miners were hard because the state didn’t influence on economic situation in the country and implement restructuring of coal-mining industry. They didn’t have an opportunity to solve all socially significant problems and the state couldn’t provide them with a mechanism of support. Poverty and unemployment were key problems of miners. On one hand, they facilitated protest activity. On the other hand, they restrained it, because miners and their families were exposed to risk to obtain no assistance for solution of their social-economic problems. That is why protests of miners were chaotic, local and caused different response of the society to them.