Differential Assessment of Wages for Members of Disabled People’s Artels During the New Economic Policy Period (Based on Materials from Astrakhan Province)

Introduction. In the article the differential assessment of the dynamics of the average earnings of the members of the disabled people’s artels of the Astrakhan province in 1923–1928 is carried out. Methods and materials. The research is based on both special methods of historical science and non-traditional methods – mathematical statistics. The study involved a wide range of historical sources stored in the State Archive of the Astrakhan Oblast, many of which are being introduced into the scientific turnover for the first time, as well as materials of periodicals and statistical reference books. Analysis. The average level of earnings of members of disabled cooperatives was calculated both for the whole period of the study and separately for each year with the identification of the nature and causes of changes. A comparative analysis of the average earnings of a worker in Astrakhan province with the average earnings of members of disabled cooperatives, as well as with the pension received by the disabled during the study period, was carried out. Results. It has been established that the total average earnings of members of disabled people’s artels in 1923–1928 could range from 52 rubles to 55 rubles 48 kopecks. Depending on the year, it could vary from 20 rubles 85 kopecks to 79 rubles 99 kopecks. It was found out that the average earnings approached the necessary standard only by 1928; nevertheless, it was higher than the pension allowance that was paid to the disabled in the corresponding period. Despite variability, earnings consistently exceeded pension allowances, highlighting their importance for cooperative participation.