Transformation of everyday life during urbanization in the USSR in the 1950s-1970s as reflected in citizens’ letters

This article analyzes the effects of the second wave of urbanization in the USSR on citizens’ daily lives, as reflected in their letters and appeals to the authorities. The authors aim to trace how the content of citizens’ letters reflected the features of the second wave of urbanization and people’s attitudes towards the changes. The research utilizes letters and complaints addressed to government bodies and regional periodicals. The conclusion is that people’s letters vividly reflect a characteristic feature of the second wave: greater attention was paid to everyday needs than in the 1930s. However, based on an analysis of narrative sources, the article shows that the transformations of everyday life against the backdrop of urbanization were mosaic in nature. Issues related to improving everyday life were addressed unevenly; citizens faced unfinished work in new apartments and slow construction of shops, hairdressing salons, and other socially significant facilities. Analysis of the letters also shows that one of the results of urbanization was a change in public consciousness regarding everyday life. The novelty of the work lies in studying the transformation of everyday life based on narrative sources and revealing society’s attitude towards the changes through citizens’ letters to government bodies regarding the satisfaction of their social needs. The result of the work is a generalization of citizens’ opinions expressed in various appeals to government bodies and newspaper editors.