Levelling

Levelling Definition

Levelling, derived from the Russian term uravnilovka, refers to a specific form of egalitarianism concerning wages and benefits that emerged within the Soviet system. This movement was characterised by efforts by workers and non-manual employees to achieve greater equality in compensation, eliminate discrimination against the intelligentsia, and secure incentives that supported the extensive industrialisation drives mandated by the Five-Year Plans.

Historical Context

The concept of levelling arose as a response to existing socio-economic inequalities within the Soviet Union. It represented an attempt to institutionalise principles of fairness regarding remuneration and status for different classes of workers during a period of rapid state-led industrialisation.

Objectives

The primary goals of levelling were multifaceted: to increase the salaries of various employee groups, to remove systemic discrimination against the intelligentsia, and to provide tangible incentives that encouraged participation in the massive national industrialisation efforts.

Counter-Movement

This egalitarian approach was ultimately countered or challenged during the 1930s, reflecting the shifting political and economic priorities within the Soviet state regarding labour relations and social distribution.