Working-Class Culture and Political Culture in the 1930s

Abstract

While the ‘cultural revolution’ which accompanied Stalin’s revolution from above most directly involved intellectuals, workers figured prominently among its intended beneficiaries. Bringing culture ‘closer to the masses’ and ending the ‘isolation’ of artistic work from ‘real life’ would, it was believed, strengthen the political consciousness of the working-class, on whom the success of the industrialisation drive most directly depended. In the longer run, it would facilitate the emergence, primarily from the proletariat, of the ‘new Soviet man’ — educated, culturally developed, ideologically aware, able to participate fully in the life of Socialist society. Accordingly the Party campaigned energetically both to promote the ‘proletarian theme’ in culture and to raise the cultural level of the working-class.