Men and Masculinity in Late Soviet Society

Session Submission Type: Panel

Brief Description

This panel explores the evolving notions of masculinity in the postwar Soviet Union. The Soviet state aimed to reinforce strict gender roles, relying on the pre-war ‘heroic’ masculinity model. However, new masculine roles emerged both in public and family life. These new roles are the focus of this panel. Katya Voronova examines the choices available to men by analyzing discussions about Soviet “deviant” family men and their ambiguous position in public opinion. Erica L. Fraser focuses on masculinity in sports, demonstrating how the new “Canadian-style” hockey was gendered male. Finally, Alissa Klots explores the social activities of male retirees after the introduction of Khrushchev’s pension system.

Sub Unit

• History: 1945-1990

Chair

• Uku Lember, Tallinn U (Estonia)

Papers

• Unfaithful Husbands and Frivolous Fathers: Masculine Values in Soviet Society, 1950-1970 - Katya Voronova, Tel Aviv U (Israel)

• 'There Is Yet Powder in the Flasks!': Older Men and the Building of Communism - Alissa R Klots, U of Pittsburgh

• Reclaiming Ice as a Space for Men: Selling Hockey Masculinity in Soviet Culture - Erica L. Fraser, Carleton U (Canada)

Discussant

• Amy Elise Randall, Santa Clara U