Prisoners of the Soviet Self? - Political Youth Opposition in Late Stalinism

In: Europe Asia studies, Band 54, Heft 3, S. 353-375

Abstract

Relates how an account of young rebels during Stalinist Russia provoked debate among press & society with many questioning the plausibility of secondary school students creating their own ideological space despite the all-encompassing party propaganda & minimal exposure to outside information. By analyzing & contextualizing the students' ideological & social backgrounds, activities, & tools of dissemination amid the "Stalinist civilization," an effort is made to understand how & why a young person in this environment formed convictions that departed from the official party line. The conclusion is drawn that, far from preventing political opposition, the restrictive mental & intellectual atmosphere proved an impetus to the youths' search for alternative thought, not only causing their resistance but shaping its form & character. Hence, faith & knowledge of socialist scripture seeded a more highly developed social conscience & abilities for political expression. A. E. Sadler