The author examines the influence of peer groups on the formation of young people's political orientations and predispositions toward political behavior. Analysis of the findings leads to conclusions about the existence of a "teen culture" in the Soviet Union and the socializing capability of the politically-inspired youth organizations.…

AS TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EXTENSIVE RADIO AND TELEVISION NETWORK IN THE SOVIET UNION, MASS COMMUNICATIONS CONTINUED TO BE DOMINATED BY THE HEAVILY POLITICIZED NEWSPAPERS, WITH PRAVDA, THE PARTY DAILY, REMAINING THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE FOR INFORMATION AND INTERPRETATION. FOREIGN RADIO BROADCASTS TO THE SOVIET…

Examines how Soviet elementary textbooks inculcate political attitudes about Lenin, history and current events, and the importance of the Soviet army. Excerpts from readers are included as illustrations of political instruction. (AV)

Describes the educational role of the Communist Party in the USSR and focuses particularly on Communist theory indoctrination among the population. Examines creativity of the masses, political socialization, assignment to party tasks as an educational experience, political awareness among workers, and transmission of the Communist world view.…

"Glasnost" or openness, to many Western observers, is a sign of democratization and a loosening of central control in almost all aspects of Soviet life. However, an analysis of excerpts from "Pravda" shows no evidence of any breaks with Leninist theory or revision in the roles of the government and masses and instead suggests…

Analyzes the results of sociological surveys conducted among thousands of students in higher education institutions in Russia and other republics of the former Soviet Union. Compares and contrasts student attitudes about such topics as economics, democratic values, ethnic groups, education, and students' perception of the future. (CFR)