The Soviet Union, officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a socialist state in Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. Nominally a union of multiple national Soviet republics, its government and economy were highly centralized. Even after Stalin’s death, surveillance remained a part of life. The KGB, the Soviet secret police, monitored citizens’ activities, mail, and conversations. Public criticism of the government could result in job loss or imprisonment.
The Soviet system encouraged women to work alongside men, and gender equality was a key ideological goal. Women became engineers, doctors, and teachers, and they also received maternity benefits and childcare support.However, women still carried most domestic responsibilities. Balancing work and home life was a common struggle, but many took pride in their contribution to building socialism.Family life emphasized collective values. Weddings, birthdays, and public holidays like Victory Day and International Women’s Day were important cultural events that brought people together.
