Soviet Russia: An Interpretation

Authors

John J. Heeren, Shantung Christian University

Date of this Version

1933

Document Type

Article

Citation

Chinese Social and Political Science Review (1933) 17(2): 328-350

Comments

Public domain

Abstract

Summary

This paper offers an interpretation of Soviet Russia, based upon several weeks of direct observation and investigation conducted in the summer of 1932. The Soviet Union presents itself as a colossal experiment in recasting human society along Marxian lines. The following pages examine both the philosophical underpinnings of Communism and the visible outworking of this revolutionary transformation. Impressive industrial centers reflect a Planned Economy of great ambition, yet marred by shortages, inefficiencies, and a reliance upon capitalistic methods such as piecework and wage incentives. Visible wealth and inequality have been replaced with widespread, uniform poverty. In the countryside, collectivization has been imposed upon a largely unwilling peasantry, and the structure of the family is undergoing radical redefinition. Marriage, education, religion—the foundations of the older order—are being systematically reshaped to fit the vision of a classless, materialist society. Atheism is promoted; personal property and parental authority are diminished; and the younger generation is being molded in the image of the proletarian state. Whether the Soviet system ultimately succeeds or fails, it cannot but exert great influence upon the social and economic fabric of the modern world. Based on direct observations and careful analysis, Personal Liberty should be preferred to a Planned Economy.