An Archaeology of Socialism

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Focusing on the Narkomfin Communal House, the book explores how Moisei Ginzburg's Constructivist architecture aimed to challenge capitalist and patriarchal norms through Marxist principles. It examines the impact of this architectural form on social relations, revealing how residents adapted to their environment in terms of taste, hygiene, and gender roles. The narrative spans significant historical events, from the utopian aspirations of the First Five Year Plan to the effects of Stalin's purges and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union, offering a rich perspective on material culture during this period.