Wage Variation in Soviet Industry.

Since the early 1950s, the United States has been interested in the growth of the Soviet economy, particularly in its ability to support high levels of military expenditure. This study investigates one aspect of Soviet income distribution, the wage structure resulting from the first major post-war Soviet industrial reform. Begun in 1956, this reform led to a new wage system in industry by 1960. Its aims, largely met, were: achievement of a desired allocation of labor, better worker performance, and at the same time a more equitable distribution of income. Results moved the USSR closer to eliminating income inequality, but despite a more plentiful supply of skilled workers, the demands of advanced technology coupled with a continued need for efficiency will mean continued inequality in earnings for some time. The study includes a comparison of the Soviet interindustrial wage differential structure with that of the United States and discusses trends for the future. 170 pp. Bibliog.