Gruppovshchina and “Communitas” in the Soviet Writers’ Union, 1932

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Abstract:
The article examines the effect of prohibiting private literary affinity groups after the founding of the Writers’ Union in April 1932. It identifies two opposing models of group dynamics: one based on the concept of communitas (a term coined by anthropologist Victor Turner), and one based on intergroup power struggles, characterized by gruppovshchina. The article describes several instances of gruppovshchina as well as a small number of groups that managed to form after 1932 based on shared aesthetic interests. The elimination of self-selecting private groups resulted in two opposite phenomena — most Writers’ Union members were apathetic, while a small number of hyperactive members practiced intense, divisive cliquish activity. The author argues that Stalin’s choice to keep his favored literary cadres instead of replacing them, ensured the continuation of gruppovshchina. As a result, the Writers’ Union, although originally intended to eliminate gruppovshchina (as practiced by RAPP’s leaders), witnessed an increase in such behavior. Literary affinity groups based on communitas nearly ceased to exist, while gruppovshchina remained entrenched among rival groups seeking political power.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22455/CM.2949-0510-2024-5-129-155
EDN:
https://elibrary.ru/GYLHHB
Author: Carol Any
About the author: Carol Any, PhD, Professor, Trinity College, Summit St., 300, 06107 Hartford, CT, USA. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Received: March 7, 2024
Date of Publication: June 17, 2024
Approved after reviewing : December 12, 2024
Publication Type: Research Article
For citation: Any, C. “Gruppovshchina and ‘Communitas’ in the Soviet Writers’ Union, 1932–1949.” Codex manuscriptus, issue 5. Moscow, IWL RAS Publ., 2024, pp. 129–155. (In English) https://doi.org/10.22455/CM.2949-0510-2024-5-129-155
Keywords: Writers’ Union, gruppovshchina, communitas, literary circles, partkom, Fadeyev, Yermilov, Literaturnyy kritik."

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Gruppovshchina and “Communitas” in the Soviet Writers’ Union, 1932–1949