Abstract:
This thesis examines the generational gap between second generation of SovietAmericans
and their Soviet-immigrant predecessors. I use the term 'Soviet' as an
umbrella that encompasses not only ethnic Russian identity but also those of the fifteen
republics. The era of the Soviet Union exhibited several cultural, political, and
economical transformations that altered the way in which Soviet citizens lived their life,
causing many to immigrate to the United States. Today, there are large populations of
Soviet-Americans that exist across the United States; many of them have adjusted their
own cultural identity to blend American and post-Soviet culture. By comparing and
contrasting the historical and social trends of both the Soviet time period and today's
Soviet-American generation, I come to the conclusion that the attempt to abide by both
Soviet and American customs has led to the emergence of a Soviet-American hybrid
subculture and that its uniqueness stems from Soviet influences passed down through
generations. It is my hope that this analysis will lead to a stronger understanding of the
basis of this new subculture and will help with its assimilation processes.
Description:
102 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, Spring 2016.