Soviet Person: A Look from the Outside and the Inside. Review of: Amirov, V. M., Antoshin, A. V., Bortnikov, V. I., et al. (2021). Homo soveticus: pro et contra. Ekaterinburg: Ural University Press. 412 p.

Abstract

This review considers a monograph published in 2021 by Ural Federal University. The research of scholars from different countries (Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland) is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of the Soviet person in various contexts and dimensions. The monograph contributes both to the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of the Soviet person and to the analysis of its manifestations in social, cultural, and artistic life. The combination of various research positions and strategies makes it possible to create a multidimensional and ambiguous image of homo soveticus seen by bearers of Soviet culture and outside observers. The review provides an analysis of the main sections of the monograph, identifies the most promising problems for further study of this topic, evaluates the originality of the work, and identifies controversial issues that stimulate discussions.