The National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicine have awarded Distinguished Professor of History Trish Starks a $50,000 grant to write a book on the history of population health in Russia during the 20th century. In her upcoming book, “Save the Men! Russian Male Health in Crisis from the Revolution to Today,” Starks will delve into how the Russian and Soviet governments have grappled with a century of demographic challenges, including a stark sex imbalance exacerbated by factors such as wars, famine, oppression, alcohol, and tobacco use.
The book sheds light on the repercussions of these health crises on Russian society, with staggering statistics revealing a significant gender disparity and declining life expectancy among men in Russia. Starks emphasizes the significance of public health history in understanding contemporary issues in Putin’s Russia, drawing connections between population health trends and current policy decisions.
Starks collaborates with experts from the World Health Organization and the United States Department of Defense to explore the implications of Russia’s ongoing male health crisis. She underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing men’s behaviors that impact longevity, identifying a critical gap in global research on men’s health and demographic policies.
As the project uncovers the socio-political implications of Russia’s population decline and gender disparities, it also highlights the relevance of humanities research in shaping informed decisions and global understanding. Kathryn Sloan, interim Dean for the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, commends the interdisciplinary nature of Starks’ work and its contribution to bridging the gap between the sciences, humanities, and current policy discussions.
In addition to her role as a Distinguished Professor, Starks serves as the director of the U of A Humanities Center, further showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering dialogue across disciplines. This groundbreaking research not only offers valuable insights into Russia’s population health challenges but also underscores the crucial role of historical analysis in addressing complex socio-political issues on the global stage.
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