Transformation of Ideas and Meaning of Labor: from the Cult of Labor to the Cult of Consumption (an Experience of Historical and Sociological Analysis). Part II

The article analyzes the attitude towards work in the Soviet Union in the second half of the 20th century and in the conditions of the new Russia in the 21st century. It is shown that the cult of labor formed during the years of the first five-year plans received a new impetus for development, first during the years of economic recovery, and then during the implementation of such grandiose social tasks as the development of virgin lands, the construction of new cities and enterprises in Siberia, the Far East and the Far North, which was associated with the development of the natural resources of these regions. The importance of labor was also enhanced during the implementation of the Atomic and Space Project, which also contributed to strengthening the greatness of labor. New forms and new initiatives of production workers born during the implementation of these projects are revealed. At the same time, consumer attitudes that began to mature in the consciousness and behavior of people, which first tangibly manifested themselves during the years of perestroika, are analyzed. Then it is shown how, in the conditions of the new Russia, a number of fundamental provisions on the role and importance of labor were subject to corrosion and the cult of consumption began to come to the forefront among value orientations, which gradually became the leading motive among the behavior of a significant number of workers in most sectors of the national economy and culture. Based on statistical and sociological information, the reasons for such a change in relation to labor are revealed, as well as the consequences that led to serious, including negative consequences.