Description

First published in 1978, this uniqueÿwork throws much-needed light upon the exact nature of privilege and elite life-styles in the contemporaryÿSoviet Union, under the Communist regime. Dr Matthews’ study places these life-styles in a historical perspective, and characterises, in sociological terms, the people who enjoyed them. This study is based on an extensive programme of personal interviews among emigr‚ groups and a close analysis of original and little-known legal historical sources. There are special sections on the nature of change in the Soviet elite and on social mobility. This reissue will attract interest amongst students and scholarsÿconcerned with the history, politics and sociologyÿofÿtheÿSoviet Union; it will also be ofÿvalue to all those concerned with the age-old problem of social equality.