Unfaithful Husbands and Frivolous Fathers: Masculine Values in Soviet Society, 1950-1970

• In Event: Men and Masculinity in Late Soviet Society

Abstract

The representation of Soviet deviant family men was a complex social and cultural construct during the Khrushchev era. On the one hand, contemporary public opinion deemed it completely inappropriate for men to live a life of pleasure and disregard public morality. On the other hand, deviant fathers met all the expectations of perfect Soviet male citizens: they were presumably heterosexual, had children, higher income, and high social status. Furthermore, their way of life was considered immoral, yet appealing to both men and women of the time. The paper will examine the perception of the Soviet deviant model of fatherhood, its portrayal in official discourse and public opinion, and its connection with the idea of machismo masculinity.

Author

• Katya Voronova, Tel Aviv U (Israel)