Identification of discourses among Soviet professionals: sociological analysis

The article presents a sociological analysis of the discourses of Soviet professionals, as well as the identification of their antagonism and hegemony. Soviet production brochures containing author’s narratives of professionals of several specialties and industries are analyzed. The sequence of discourse analysis is developed according to the methodological model of E. Laclau and Ch. Mouffe. The following categories are identified: key signs, articulation, moments, elements, domain of discursivity, discourse structure, nodal point, subject, discourse, slippage, antagonism, hegemony. Within the overarching hegemonic Soviet discourse, the following specific discourses are identified: quantitative and qualitative indicators, collectivism and individualism, mentorship and apprenticeship, personal responsibility and public good. Social practices for shaping these discourses were identified, as well as mechanisms for forming, maintaining, and preserving the social patterns of Soviet professionals. A generalizing classification of the identified discourses has been developed. Through a rigorous sociological analysis, this study sheds light on the diverse discourses among Soviet professionals and their role within the broader societal context. Furthermore, the developed methodology provides a framework for future studies on discourse analysis in similar socio-political contexts.