Nationalities Relations in the Soviet Union: Trend and Analysis

Socialism and Nationalism

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic aspects of Soviet nationalities policies in practice on the basis of data derived from the preliminary results of the census in 1979 and those published officially in the Soviet Union.
In the first part of this monograph the author examines the disparity in the population growth, the shift in the national composition of Union Republics and the migration pattern of fifteen major nationalities. It is noteworthy that the influence of Russians is decreasing in Central Asia but it is increasing among the Republics along Baltic Sea, Ukraine and Belorussia as a result of influx of Russians and outflow of two other Slavic peoples from their own Republics.
The second section analyzes phenomena of linguistic assimilation among non-Russian peoples and the use of Russian as a second language. The author points out the influence exerted by resettlement of non-Russian peoples on their linguistic preferences and the effects of national statehood on their linguistic survival. Bilingualism became more popular in the latest intercensal period, but one could also notice antipacy of some nationalities to the use of Russian by refusing to admit to a knowledge of the language.
The third section delves into the socio-economic structures of Soviet nationalities and the disparity in the economic growth of Union Republics. The functional positions occupied by each nationality are gradually standardized, but the differentials in incomes and social status are recognized stronger even now.
In the fourth section the author discusses the problem of accessibility to political power among Soviet nationalities and examines recent trend of Soviet nationalities policies reflected in the assertions of Soviet leadership. The dominance of Russians continues to be maintained particularly on the upper level of Party hierarchy. And a tendency toward more intensive assimilation is being intesified in authoritative speeches of top leaders but some deviations are also recognized among local leaders.
In conclusion the author points out the serious character of nationalities problems in the Soviet Union, not only in view of disintegration of Soviet nationalities but also their latent implications for future democratization of Soviet society.