The scientific conceptions of disability in the Soviet state in the 1930s

Abstract

The article analyzes development of scientific conceptions of disability in works of Soviet researchers during the period of forced construction of socialism. The materials of the dissertation abstract of employee of the North Caucasian Scientific and Research Institute of Labor Organization and Protection (1933), as well as publications of staff of the Leningrad Scientific and Research Institute of Medical and Labor Expertise and Professional Consultation (1935-1940) were explored. The positions of various authors concerning priority of medical examination in the process of disability expertise are considered. The article reveals ideas of "active employment" of the disabled, the organization of conditions for full-value functioning of the disabled capable of working in society, various employment opportunities for the disabled, including appeal to creative activity, causes of ineffective involvement of particular categories and groups of the disabled with various diseases into social and labor life. The conclusion is presented that ideas of scientists were not largely in demand in the 1930s, but became the basis of policy of employment of the disabled during the Great Patriotic War, significantly passing ahead of their time.