socialist man

• In his eyes, people no longer bound to class oppression, instead, could divert commitment to serving the community
• Stalinism

  A priority and vital to create an educated workforce that'd be able to support the modern, industrial economy he wanted – less dependent on the already intelligent population who represent
• Characteristics/expectations of 'Socialist Man'


  • Prioritise communal values – be part of a community, not independent nor private
  • Prioritise Party above family and friends – self-sacrificing attitude
  • Think in terms of a collectivist mindset – what works for well for everyone, not yourself
  • Educated in socialism and science
  • Party-minded – dedicated to Party and its needs
  • Urban and modern ideologies and activities – not rural and traditional
  • Enthusiastic campaigners for socialism and against bourgeois values
• Enthusiastic about rapid industrialisation which led to them being hopeful about Stalinism – more jobs and raise standards of living
• Stakhanovite movement

  • Jealousy
  • Huge benefits and rewards – better living conditions, honorary awards, bonuses
  • Based on teamwork and selfless sacrifice
  • Forced management to support workers to increase productivity
• Attack on foreigners and bourgeois managers meant more opportunities for advancement – more space at the top
• Skilled workers did the best in Stalinist policies
• New way for workers to improve themselves
• Skills shortage meant those ready to gain expertise could command good pay as long as they conform to harsh labour laws
• 1940-1 War diverted resources and decline working men's income
• Tough living conditions – overcrowding strained family life, little privacy, petty crime, hard drinking, smallest misdemeanour entailed punishment
• Jealousy of Stakhanovites created tension
• Difficulty finding jobs – family history or bourgeoisie create suspicion of enemy therefore conceal or lie
• Unskilled working men lived harsh – were former peasants forced into towns by collectivisation
• Unused to strict labour discipline so they moved around from job to job to avoid staying too long and acquiring a bad working record
• Shortage of housing
• No privacy in kommunalka – whispering to avoid denunciation and visit form the security police
• Workers living in barracks or factories
• Were without sewage, street lighting and public transport
• Hooliganism and urban violence
• 1933 biggest drop in living standards: food consumption lower than in 1900, meat consumption was 1/3 of 1928 meat consumption
• Overreliance on black market for survival
• Factory workers had regulated hours and wages, therefore, could benefit from workplace canteens and shops for employees to purchase