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For the Ever More Complete Satisfaction of Workers’ Needs: The Standard of Living in Bulgaria during the Communist Period

Author

Listed:
  • Mathias Morrys

    (University of York, England)

  • Martin Ivanov

    (Sofia University, Bulgaria)

Abstract

We challenge the view that Centrally Planned Economies functioned well until the mid-1980s, delivering high economic growth and better living standards. As part of a broader research effort into living standards under state socialism, this paper focuses on nutritional evidence. Judged by calorie intake, we show that only in the 1970s did Bulgarian living standards surpass levels achieved already four decades earlier. Our findings are particularly discomforting for the rural population which was the big loser of collectivization and forced industrialization policies after 1946. Big Push industrialization reduced nutritional welfare in addition to coming at high human and societal cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathias Morrys & Martin Ivanov, 2023. "For the Ever More Complete Satisfaction of Workers’ Needs: The Standard of Living in Bulgaria during the Communist Period," Proceedings of the Centre for Economic History Research, Centre for Economic History Research, vol. 8, pages 197-208, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:ceh:journl:y:2023:v:8:p:197-208
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ivanov, Martin & Tooze, Adam, 2007. "Convergence or Decline on Europe's Southeastern Periphery? Agriculture, Population, and GNP in Bulgaria, 1892–1945," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(3), pages 672-703, September.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    standard of living; consumption; economic development;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-

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