Codex manuscriptus

2949-0510 2949-0502

IWL RAS

https://doi.org/10.22455/CM.2949-0510-2024-5-129-155

Research Article

Articles

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

Carol Any codeximli@yandex.ru

17 06 2024

5 129 155

Writers’ Union gruppovshchina communitas literary circles partkom Fadeyev Yermilov Literaturnyy kritik."

2026

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.

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