Stakhanovism

Definition

Stakhanovism was a movement initiated in the Soviet Union during the 1930s that encouraged workers to exceed production targets and promote a culture of productivity and efficiency. Named after miner Alexei Stakhanov, who famously exceeded his coal mining quota by 14 times, the movement symbolized the ideal of the hardworking Soviet citizen and aimed to boost morale and productivity during the Five-Year Plans. This concept became a propaganda tool to showcase the successes of socialism and the potential of collective effort.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stakhanovism gained momentum after Alexei Stakhanov's record-breaking coal extraction in 1935, which became a national sensation.
2. The movement emphasized the importance of socialist competition, where workers were encouraged to outdo each other in productivity.
3. Stakhanovites were often rewarded with bonuses, titles, and recognition, becoming models of Soviet labor ideology.
4. The principles of Stakhanovism extended beyond mining to various industries, aiming for a collective commitment to exceed production goals.
5. While Stakhanovism aimed to boost morale, it also led to unrealistic expectations and pressure on workers, sometimes resulting in severe consequences for those who could not meet targets.

Review Questions

• How did Stakhanovism reflect the goals of Stalin's Five-Year Plans in terms of labor productivity?
  • Stakhanovism was closely aligned with the objectives of Stalin's Five-Year Plans, which aimed at increasing industrial output and modernizing the Soviet economy. By promoting exceptional individual achievements like those of Alexei Stakhanov, the movement encouraged workers to push beyond their limits, directly supporting the ambitious production targets set by these plans. This not only enhanced productivity but also fostered a spirit of competition among workers that was vital for achieving rapid industrial growth.
• Evaluate the impact of Stakhanovism on Soviet society and its portrayal of labor during the 1930s.
  • Stakhanovism significantly influenced Soviet society by establishing a narrative that glorified hard work and productivity as patriotic duties. The movement created a new class of 'Stakhanovites' who were celebrated as heroes, thereby reinforcing state propaganda that depicted socialism as superior due to its capable workforce. However, this portrayal often masked the harsh realities faced by ordinary workers, who dealt with increased pressure and the threat of punishment for failing to meet lofty production quotas.
• Analyze the long-term effects of Stakhanovism on labor practices in the Soviet Union and its implications for future economic policies.
  • The long-term effects of Stakhanovism on labor practices in the Soviet Union included a culture of excessive pressure to perform that persisted beyond the 1930s. While initially successful in boosting production, this approach led to systemic issues such as worker burnout, disillusionment, and inefficiencies from setting unattainable goals. As future economic policies continued to rely on similar principles of competition without addressing underlying labor needs, it contributed to broader economic difficulties and discontent within the workforce that would later influence reform movements.

Related terms

Five-Year Plans: Centralized economic plans initiated by Stalin aimed at rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture in the Soviet Union.

Propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.

Collectivization: The policy of consolidating individual landholdings and labor into collective farms, implemented under Stalin to increase agricultural productivity.