Kultura masowa w Rosji i radziecki eksperyment antropologiczny

Abstract

In a discussion of mass culture in Russia, attention should be drawn to two problems: the terminology issue (mass culture, popular culture, folk culture) and its special character in the context of the Western culture. Some Russian scholars trace the beginnings of mass culture in Russia to the 19th century (to the 1840s–1850s or reforms of Alexander II). At that time, however, culture was mass-produced for mass consumption to a certain extent only. Mass society and mass culture emerged in the Soviet Russia. It was a mobilization society, which needs external actions aimed at its reconstruction – this is what happens in totalitarian societies. Mass culture becomes then one of the main tools of formation of a new man, and its weapon is manipulation. Non-esthetic functions were emphasized in literature, especially its educational (didactic) function, as a result of which literature of commitment was created. Functions of mass culture were carried out by production novel, kolkhoz novel, literature for children and youth. All kinds and types of arts disciplines (literature, cinema, theatre, visual arts) advocated Soviet morality, also called Communist morality (коммунис- тическая мораль, коммунистическая нравственность). They presented and promoted Soviet lifestyle (советский образ жизни), advocating new customs in social and family life.