Folklore and Ethnology in the Soviet Western Borderlands: Socialist in Form, National in Content

Thirteen international scholars examine the impact of Soviet-era movements to study, apply, and perform folklore as a priority in socialist policy-formation and culture-building in the Western Borderlands. They present original archival materials and ethnographic data to understand colonialist support and resistance to these movements. The volume also considers Soviet orchestration of folkloristic work on present developments in conflicts with Russia's neighbors and alignments with Western folkloristics and ethnology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Thirteen esteemed international scholars delve into the profound impact of Soviet-era movements that prioritized the study, application, and performance of folklore in socialist policy-formation and culture-building. These scholars, who hail from generations that experienced the effects of Soviet occupation, offer insightful reflections on the consequences of state-supported promotion of folk arts in the region known as the Western Borderlands, encompassing Baltic countries, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Belarus, Romania, and Hungary. Through their incisive analyses, the authors present original archival materials and ethnographic data to unravel the complex dynamics of colonialist support for and resistance to bottom-up folklore movements. The volume concludes with a timely examination of Soviet orchestration of folkloristic work in relation to current developments in conflicts between Russia and its neighbors, as well as its alignment with Western folkloristics and ethnology.

Introduction:
The Soviet era witnessed a significant emphasis on the study, application, and performance of folklore as part of socialist policy-formation and culture-building. This movement, driven by the belief in the transformative power of traditional culture, aimed to strengthen national identity and promote social cohesion among the diverse populations of the Soviet Union. Thirteen international scholars, representing different generations and perspectives, have come together to assess the enduring impact of these movements on the region known as the Western Borderlands.

The Western Borderlands:
The Western Borderlands, consisting of Baltic countries, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Belarus, Romania, and Hungary, played a pivotal role in the promotion and preservation of folk arts during the Soviet era. These regions were characterized by a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of regional identity, which the Soviet government sought to harness for its ideological purposes. State-supported promotion of folk arts was seen as a means to consolidate power and control over the population, while also fostering a sense of national pride and unity.

The Impact of State-Supported Promotion of Folk Arts:
The scholars in this volume explore the various consequences of state-supported promotion of folk arts in the Western Borderlands. They examine how the promotion of folk arts influenced the social, cultural, and political landscape of these regions. They also analyze the ways in which folk arts were used to promote Soviet values and ideologies, as well as to suppress alternative forms of expression and cultural heritage.

Archival Materials and Ethnographic Data:
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of state-supported promotion of folk arts, the scholars in this volume present original archival materials and ethnographic data. These materials include historical documents, government reports, and personal accounts, which shed light on the processes and mechanisms that shaped the promotion and preservation of folk arts. Ethnographic data, on the other hand, provide insights into the experiences and perspectives of individuals and communities who were involved in the folk arts movement.

Colonialist Support for Bottom-Up Folklore Movements:
One of the key themes explored in this volume is the complex relationship between colonialism and the promotion of folk arts. The scholars examine how colonial powers, such as the Russian Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, influenced the development of folk arts in the Western Borderlands. They explore how colonialism shaped the cultural identity of these regions, as well as the ways in which folk arts were used to reinforce colonial control and exploitation.

Resistance to Colonialist Support for Folklore Movements:
Despite the pressures of colonialism, the scholars in this volume note that there was also resistance to the promotion of folk arts by colonial powers. They explore how local communities and individuals resisted the imposition of foreign cultural norms and traditions, and how they preserved and revitalized their own folk arts. This resistance was often driven by a desire to maintain cultural autonomy and preserve traditional practices.

Soviet Orchestration of Folkloristic Work:
The final chapter of the volume examines the Soviet orchestration of folkloristic work in relation to present developments in conflicts of Russia with its neighbors and alignments with Western folkloristics and ethnology. The scholars analyze how the Soviet government used folk arts to promote its political agenda and to align itself with Western powers. They also explore how the Soviet government manipulated folk arts to suppress alternative forms of expression and cultural heritage.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the profound impact of Soviet-era movements to study, apply, and perform folklore in socialist policy-formation and culture-building. The scholars present original archival materials and ethnographic data to unravel the complex dynamics of colonialist support for and resistance to bottom-up folklore movements. They also offer a timely consideration of Soviet orchestration of folkloristic work in relation to current developments in conflicts of Russia with its neighbors and alignments with Western folkloristics and ethnology. This volume is a valuable contribution to the field of folklore.

ISBN-13: 9781666906530