Class, Women + Young People

• The Soviet regime encouraged communal living to create a classless society. Families would share kitchens and toilets.
• Private life was often subjected to public scrutiny. The interests of the community were seen as superior to individuals.
• Burzhui was a term used by the communists to describe the "class enemy".
• People tried to behind a mask of conformity as private life was slowly being abolished to preserve their own identity.
• The Communist Party was so keen to unmask potential threats because they could subject them to the purges.
• The October Revolution intended to bring greater equality to Russia. Workers took control of factories and farms as a result of the revolution.
• Harsh labour discipline was introduced under War Communism.
• A seven-day work week and longer hours saw working conditions deteriorate under Stalin.
• Bonuses and payments were introduced in the 1930s to increase one's productivity.
• The Stakhanovite movement produced the labour elite. They were better off because they had higher wages and better housing.
• Living conditions deteriorated in the countryside because of collectivisation.
• Overcrowded and poor sanitation characterised the poor standards of urban living.
• The Communist Revolution provided greater opportunities for women. They could get assistance with jobs and childcare.
• Divorce was made easier. Abortion was legalised under Lenin.
• Women began to work in increasing numbers. Nurseries were provided to benefit childcare.
• Women had to carry on with housework while juggling a job. Men initiated most divorces.
• Stalin began to extol traditional family values in the early 1930s because of a falling birth rate.
• Soviet propaganda portrayed Stalin as a "father figure" to families. Women were portrayed as mothers opposed to workers.
• Divorce was made more difficult under Stalin. Financial incentives were offered to large families facing a divorce.
• 43% of the industrial workforce were women by 1940.
• Education was seen as crucial to building a new socialist society. Lenin provided free schooling for all.
• Vocational training was provided from Lenin's educational curriculum. This workforce was described as "socially useful labour".
• Universities and schools played a role in indoctrinating socialism. Students were told to inform the authorities on teachers or parents that held "anti-socialist" views.
• Improvements were made in education. 90% of people under the age of 50 were literate.
• The Komsomol was the name of the youth-wing to the Communist Party. It was formed in 1918.
• The Pioneers was the name of the junior-wing of the Communist Party. It was established in 1922.
• Pioneers took an oath to the Communist Party. They wore a special uniform.
• The Komsomol encouraged its young members to assist the police. They set up political clubs. They were encouraged to participate in voluntary social work.
• Komsomol membership eased educational advancement. It enhanced job prospects.
• Komsomol had 10 million members by 1940. Some of its members controversially preferred Western culture.
• Orlando Figes stated that family decrees from the mid-1930s "aimed to strengthen the Soviet family".
• Sheila Fitzpatrick mentioned that "party officials replaced class enemies purged from central government".