Pioneer organization in Samara: from incident to sign

Abstract

The article, based on previously unpublished archival sources, examines the process of organizing the first pioneer detachments in Samara, as well as their activities in 1922–1923 using the comparative historical method and microhistorical approach, methods of social constructivism, political-legal and systemic approaches. The study is based on the study of individual incidents. Firstly, the authors prove that in the early 1920-ies there were many «disorganized» children on the streets of Samara, who made up the bulk of the first pioneer detachments of the city. The pioneer movement was formed by order of the Central Committee of the RKSM, had an ideological content and was introduced «from above». In Samara, children from the streets were attracted by playing on sports grounds, singing songs, and then by the external attributes of the children’s pioneer – a flag, a red banner, badges, and drumming. Secondly, behind the apparent simplicity of the children’s attitude towards the pioneers, a significant result was hidden: along with the red tie, over time, the names of leaders and politicians, revolutionary attributes, conversations about communism, a clear organization of collective detachment activities, wall newspapers, and socialist competitions became a habit, becoming part of life. The pioneer provided children with a space of expression and independent existence – within certain boundaries, strictly prescribed in the Charter and the oath that the children took when tying a red tie. The value system of the «new man», designed by the government, has acquired a dualistic character. It combined the values of sociocentric and anthropocentric nature. Also, thirdly, due to the lack of methodological support from the party, the guidance for the instructors-counselors was provided by random books and pamphlets about Boy scouts released in pre-revolutionary times. Many of these books were taken to the pioneer organization, both on methodological and practical issues. The conclusion is drawn about the importance of these three aspects in the formation of a pioneer organization in Samara.