Overview of the Social Transition in the North project 1995- 1998

Abstract

Objective. This paper describes the overall aims and design of the Social Transitions in the North study. The objective of the STN study was to assess how epidemiological, demographic and domestic changes have affected Northern communities.Study Design. Sixteen communities in the Russian Far East and Alaska were compared. Survey data were collected in three phases with a response rate of 70%.Methods. The experiences of indigenous peoples with demographic, epidemiological and domestic changes were measured using forced-choice questionnaires, focus groups, oral histories, protocol interviews, interviews with institutional informants, genealogies and analysis of secondary data.Results. The principal researchers died during a boating accident before the analysis phase. Alaska researchers were asked to review the data for utility.Conclusions. The STN data was developed using rigorous cross-cultural research team. It was be used by social science researchers and others to better understand the impact of rapid changes in the Arctic.