The Soviet Woman and the Great Patriotic War in the Context of Folk Ditties

Abstract

The article considers the possibility of using folklore texts, in particular, folk ditties (chastushka) as an axiological source in the study of issues related to the social status of women during the Great Patriotic War. The folk chastushka, as an axiological source, still remains underestimated by modern researchers. In rare works, folklore elements are present as small illustrations. The possibility of ditties as an axiological source is much wider. A chastushka is an instant reflection of reality, expressed in an emotional and poetic form. Appearing in the 60–70s of the XIX century, the chastushka is a reflection of all spheres of life of the people and it was especially popular among the peasants. During the Great Patriotic War, chastushka became one of the most popular genres of folklore. This study examines and compares politically verified chastushkas included in official folklore collections and anti-Soviet ones. It gives a possibility to analyze a number of aspects of Soviet women’s life in wartime conditions from opposite points of view. The main task is to understand people's views on the role of women in the Great Patriotic War.