Modernity and modernization: institutions, practices and images in Western Siberia (1934-1939)

The study is devoted to the problem of applicability of the theory of modernization to the realities of the interwar USSR. The goal is to reveal and analyze the possibility and admissibility of using the terms "modernity" and modernization to the history of Soviet Western Siberia in the 1930s. The realities and ideological images of the agrarian-industrial region in the period between the 17th and 18th congresses of the CPSU (b) have been studied. An important role in the study is played by the analysis of the key concepts of Sovietologists who analyzed the problems of the Soviet version of modernization. The source base of the article is represented by office-work and egodocuments, journalistic and informational materials of periodicals, as well as elements of visual symbolism of Soviet painting, cinema, architectural and urban spaces. The analysis of mass sources is carried out by the methods of content analysis, discourse analysis and intent analysis based on the systemic and civilizational approaches. In addition, the study is based on the theory of constructing images of reality (simulacra). The elements of these images and their socioworldview functions are analyzed. The definitions of modernization as a systemic historical process and modernity as an ideological and ideological construct about the “modemity of the Soviet system” were given. Further, the indicators of modernization in Western Siberia, its dynamics, takin g into account the mass political campaigns of 1934-1939, and the main logistic and organizational contradictions were studied. It was found that effective modernization was a complex process, during which a number of difficulties arose related to the characteristics of the region, personnel, organizational and socio-economic problems. The inconsistency of research assessments of the course and results of Soviet modernization was noted. Modernity is considered as an ideological construct that is difficult for contemporaries to perceive which is a simulacrum of the modernity of the USSR and the advanced system. An analysis of the Soviet official periodicals showed the active formation of a simulacrum of modernity (modern present and promising future), but complex social realities did not contribute to strengthening the confidence of Soviet people that their society was advanced. Therefore, real modernization was often carried out by mobilization. Conclusions of the article are about the complex nature of modernization and the difficulties in the formation of a modern worldview in the USSR in connection with the excessive mobilization and statist practices of the party state. The author proves the controversial nature of the application of the theory of modernization to the study of Soviet realities and makes an assumption about the need for further development of the direction of social history of the USSR.

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