Building Communism and Policing Deviance in the Soviet Union: Residential Childcare, 1958-91

This book explores Soviet policies towards deviance, social norms, repression, and social control by examining Soviet residential childcare homes and boarding schools. It reveals how the system disproportionately involved children from socially marginal and poor families, aiming to raise them from the margins and transform them into healthy, happy, useful Soviet citizens. It also outlines how the system fit into Khrushchevs reforms and social order policies, emphasizing monitoring and controlling society without direct repression and terror.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of Soviet policies towards deviance, social norms, repression, and social control, shedding light on a broader spectrum of issues. Through a detailed examination of Soviet residential childcare homes and boarding schools, it unveils the profound impact of these institutions on the lives of children. By targeting children whose parents were unable or unwilling to provide them with care, as well as children with disabilities, the system inadvertently perpetuated the marginalization of children from socially disadvantaged and impoverished backgrounds. This study highlights the systemic efforts to uplift these children and transform them into healthy, content, and productive Soviet citizens, imbued with socialist values. Moreover, the book provides insights into how the system seamlessly integrated with Khrushchev's reforms and social order policies, emphasizing monitoring and controlling society without resorting to direct repression and terror. This approach aimed to maintain stability and continuity amidst significant societal changes. The book's rich narrative and comprehensive analysis offer valuable perspectives on the complex dynamics of Soviet society during the Cold War era, providing a deeper understanding of the societal challenges and responses of that time.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367694739