Living in an era of change: the mass consciousness and everyday practices of the Soviet population during the years of perestroika (1985-1991)
The author attempts to analyze the mass sentiment and the daily live of the Soviet population in the years of perestroika (1985-1991). The author's interpretation of the concept of «mass consciousness» is suggested, causal relations between the specific situation in the country and the dynamics of mass sentiments are traced. The attention is paid to changing people's attitudes to the ideas and slogans of perestroika, author analyzes the causes of the crisis of confidence in the government. Emphasis is made on international conflicts, the strike movement in some parts of the country, causes of the social stratification of society, reducing of the level and quality of life. On the basis of specific facts, the author sought to fully represent the everyday life of the population during the six years of perestroika, to trace the ways of adapting people to the events of the external world.