Soviet Culture and Education

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to Soviet culture, education, and the arts as discussed in the lecture notes.

Proletarian

A term used to describe cultural works that reflect a Marxist point of view, often prioritizing individuals from working-class backgrounds.

Partiinost

The concept of party-mindedness that reflects loyalty to the Communist Party's ideologies in various fields.

Illiteracy

The inability to read and write; significantly reduced in the USSR from 51% in 1926 to 81.1% in 1939.

Socialist Realism

An artistic movement enforced by the Soviet government, depicting reality in a way that promotes socialist ideals.

Dissent

The expression of different or opposing opinions, often seen in Soviet literature, art, and intellectual circles.

Cultural Underground

Private gatherings or movements of artists and intellectuals that persisted in creating and sharing nonconformist works.

The Thaw

A period of cultural relaxation in the USSR after Stalin's death, allowing for greater artistic expression and some literary freedom.

Lysenkoism

A politically supported scientific theory in the Soviet Union that discredited genetics and had disastrous effects on Soviet biology.

The Space Race

A period of competition between the USSR and the USA regarding achievements in space exploration, marked by numerous Soviet milestones.

Non-Conformist Art

Art that defies the official styles imposed by the government, often characterized by irony and a departure from socialist realism.

Marxism-Leninism

The political ideology that served as the foundation for Soviet communism, emphasizing class struggle and the role of the proletariat.

Social Sciences

Disciplines that study human society, often severely restricted under Soviet ideology to conform to Marxist principles.

Dmitrii Shostakovich

A prominent Soviet composer whose work faced criticism from the state for not conforming to socialist realism.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, seen in some nonconformist art during the post-Stalin period.

Dissenters

Individuals who oppose established authority and can manifest through cultural or political expressions in the Soviet context.

Russian Emigration

The movement of Russian intellectuals and artists abroad, significantly influencing Western culture during and after the Soviet era.