Historical and Cultural Aspects of the Club Movement in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok in 1960s – 1980s

Abstract

The article discusses the significance of leveraging historical experiences to address contemporary societal challenges, particularly the technological impact on science cities, the holistic development of human capital, and the cultivation of humanitarian resources for Russian scientific advancement. The primary objective of this work is to study in dynamics the historical and cultural aspects of the club movement, offering a comprehensive portrayal of the scientific community's life in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok during the 1960s to 1980s. Employing the problem-chronological method, an interdisciplinary approach, and the discourse of a new scientific trend of anthropology of scientific life, this study has yielded results that contribute to a broader understanding of the aforementioned subject matter. The initial stage of the club movement in 1960s was characterized by pronounced processes of sociocultural adaptation (fulfillment of the social order for communication) and political engagement aligning with scientific pursuits. In 1970s and 1980s, the club movement underwent institutionalization, integrating itself into the socio-cultural space of Akademgorodok. About 40 clubs were established, including the clubs “Under Integral”, “Babylon”, ISC Club, “Sigma”, “Sage”, “Vertical”, “Grazia”, “Aesthetics of Clothes”, as well as thematic clubs of interest. Evidencing a democratic character, the club movement in Akademgorodok served to uphold the image of Soviet science and culture. Although the Soviet state regulated the forms of political participation, the club movement was generally supported by cultural policy actors. The mobilization trend encapsulated by “Science – Culture – Art” can be interpreted as a historical and cultural blueprint of the club movement of Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, strengthening the scientific and organizational principles of the establishment of the Siberian Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences “Science – Personnel – Production” in 1960–1980.