Authors

Discussion

This paper aims to decentre Soviet studies by focusing on the multi-ethnicity of the Soviet Union. My PhD research focuses on different aspects of the identity of Soviet citizens and how they expressed themselves in everyday life. For this paper, I will explore the material culture of the Soviet Union, including fashion, interior design, folk art and architecture. I will analyse the possibilities for self-expression in the Soviet Union, despite the constraints that existed around mass production, standardised design, censorship, and nationality policies. While these constraints appear to have reduced scope for expressions of individuality and national identity, my paper will explore the possibilities that existed for Soviet citizens to express their national identity in everyday life through fashion and interior design. For example, citizens were able to sew their own clothes and add national motifs. While it seems that the Soviet republics struggled to keep certain aspects of their national culture alive, such as native languages, some republics found a way of preserving their culture through architecture and clothing. This paper will draw on a range of different sources such as fashion magazines, journals, movies and architecture. This paper aims to analyse and understand the possibilities for ordinary citizens to express their ethnic and national identity, even within the constraints of Soviet-era policies and controls.