An invitation to reflection. Documentary evidence on the social policy of the USSR in the post-war years (1947–1953)
https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2023-1-12-23
Abstract
The purpose of the article is a critical review of some scientific and cognitive practices of intensifying research on late Stalinism. It is noted that at the present historiographic stage, understanding the phenomenon of Stalinism is part of the central research task of Russian studies, namely, determining the degree of rationality and functionality of the Soviet socio-economic system. The author notes a number of key factors that complicate the research search. Emphasizing the paramount importance of the representativeness of the source base, the author focuses on the need to introduce into scientific circulation those archival materials, the reconstruction of which (by means of nomothetic research procedures) allows one to build and propose for consideration the mechanism of communication between society and the authorities. As the analyzed materials, the author draws on a collection of documents published in 2020 that reveals the social policy of the USSR in the years of “late Stalinism”. The fact is emphasized that the extensive database of previously unexplored documents in the RGASPI (RSASPH) funds signed by I.V. Stalin, L.M. Koganovich, A.I. Mikoyan which were rated as classified are the most interesting examples of the use of economic, administrative and socio-psychological methods of management by the party and government leadership of the country. The importance of the author’s analytical method of presenting social policy as an indicator for the economic strategy of late Stalinism is indicated.
About the Author
E. B. Bespyatova
MIREA – Russian Technological University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena B. Bespyatova, Cand. of Sci. (History), associate professor
bld. 78, Vernadsky Av., Moscow, 119454
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Review
For citations:
Bespyatova E.B. An invitation to reflection. Documentary evidence on the social policy of the USSR in the post-war years (1947–1953). RSUH/RGGU Bulletin Series "Political Science. History. International Relations". 2023;(1):12-23. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2073-6339-2023-1-12-23
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