Family attitudes in the USSR

What did Kollontai say about family?

She was of the opinion that, under socialism, ‘the family ceases to be necessary’ as she believed the state could take over the role of bringing up children and providing social services

What did the Bolshevik Family Code of 1918 change?

It made divorce easier by allowing a marriage to be dissolved at the request by either the husband or the wife, without the need to give grounds, such as adultery or cruelty.

Abortion was made legal and crèches were encouraged.

Why were the reforms of the Family Code of 1918 made?

They were driven partly by a need to get more women into work during the civil war, they were also an attack on the traditional oppression and maltreatment of women through the institution of family.

What new marriage law as given in 1927?

A law that gave equal status under the law the registered and unregistered marriages.

How did these new reforms impact divorce rates?

BY 1926 50% of marriages ended in divorce

What was a ‘postcard divorce’?

In 1926 the Family Code was revised to make divorces easier and a partner could simply notify their wife or husband of divorce by sending them a postcard.

What were abortion rates like under the Bolsheviks?

In Moscow abortions outnumbered live births by 3:1.

What was The ‘Great Retreat’ of 1936?

Measures introduced to raise the status of marriage after the detrimental effects of the other family reforms

What changes were made to divorce under the ‘Great Retreat’ of 1936?

Divorce was made more expensive, increasing from 4 roubles to 50

What changes were made to abortion under the ‘Great Retreat’ of 1936?

Abortion was outlawed except in cases where the life of the mother was at risk.

What benefits were given to pregnant women under the ‘Great Retreat’ of 1936?

Pregnant women were guaranteed job security and the right to be given lighter work. Maternity leave was extended to 16 weeks.

What happened to free marriages during the ‘Great Retreat’ of 1936?

Free marriages lost their legal status and the government stated that family responsibilities were to be taken seriously

How much did the number of nurseries increase during the ‘Great Retreat’?

The number of nursery places doubled between 1928 and 1930.

What changes were made in July 1944? (3)

• The government introduced awards for ‘mother-heroines’ who had 10 or more children

• A tax on single people was introduced to encourage marriage

• Divorce was mad more complicated and couples could be forced to go to a District Court to attempt reconciliation

What was the stance on a women’s role in the family during the Khrushchev years?

Women were encouraged to care for the family and look after the household, as well as undertake paid employment, placing a double burden on them.

What percentage of the workforce were women by 1960?

49%

Who took up domestic duties while wives were in full time employment?

Grandmothers, referred to as babushki, undertook some of the burden of housework, childcare or queuing for food.

This resulted in multi-generational family units.

When was abortion legalised again?

1955

How did Khrushchev lessen the strain on families? Was this successful?

He increased the provision of social benefits such as housing, maternity arrangements, health care and child care.

However the provision was inadequate and this placed pressure on women to fill this gap.

What was the stance on family during the Brezhnev years?

It was a continuity in terms of social policy with the Khrushchev era BUT the government was more aware of social problems that strained the family and chose to address them through reinforcing traditional values.

What did Brezhnev introduce to address family problems?

A new family code in 1968.

What were the main problems threatening the stability of families? (4)

• A declining rate of population growth caused by a low birth rate e.g. by 1982 the rate of growth had fallen to just 0.8% → This placed pressure on the economically productive members of the family to provide for the old and sick

• A shortage of adequate housing

• Alcoholism increased domestic abuse, health issues and divorce

• High divorce rates e.g. a third of all marriages ended in divorce

What measures under the 1968 family code were introduced to try and combat family problems? How successful were they? (4)

• Health campaigns warning of the dangers of alcohol → Not very successful in deterring people

• Couples had to give 1 month’s notice before a wedding to avoid marriages arranged in haste that could lead to divorce

• Illegal to divorce a pregnant women

• ‘Birth incentives’ were discussed in a 1981 party programme but never implemented