«HOMO SOVIETICUS»: SOCIAL PRACTICES OF UPBRINGING AND IMPLICATIONS FOR UKRAINE’S COLLECTIVE MEMORY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26661/zhv-2025-11-63-13Keywords:
historical myths, stereotypes, propaganda, «homo sovieticus» Soviet ideology, «New Soviet Man»Abstract
This article examines the Soviet project of upbringing the «homo sovieticus» as an example of totalitarian social engineering. It analyzes the key value and behavioral characteristics of the «New Soviet Man» including unconditional loyalty to the state and party, prioritization of collective interests over individual ones, rejection of national identity, dichotomous perception of the world, institutionally supported atheism, and adaptive practices. Atheism in the USSR was conceptually justified within the framework of Marxist-Leninist ideology. The spread of atheism across the country can be understood as an element of a social experiment implemented through propaganda, education, and the involvement of the repressive apparatus.
The study examines the system of communicative channels used to shape the «homo sovieticus» including education, literature, cinema, theater and visual arts, mass celebrations, radio, and television. In the Soviet education system, students were raised loyal to the state through systematic ideological measures, such as class hours, assemblies, themed holidays, clubs, sports competitions, and summer camps. Repressive and punitive structures are identified as a separate channel in constructing the «New Soviet Man» serving as mechanisms for monopolizing information flows and ensuring the ideological discourse remained hermetic.
Special attention is given to the role of family memory and traumatic experiences, which preserved testimonies of the historical catastrophes of the 20th century and could counteract the monolithic ideological unification. It is shown that the upbringing of «homo sovieticus» by the Soviet authorities was limited by ideological rhetoric, regulated behavioral models, and statements of public loyalty.
The article concludes that contemporary Russian propaganda, drawing on Soviet historical myths, continues to inflame memory conflicts and justify aggression against Ukraine.
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