"Engineers of the human spirit" during late socialism : the Lithuanian Union of Writers between Soviet duties and local interests

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Cenzūra; Indoktrinacija; Lietuvos rašytojų sąjunga; Rašytojai; Tarybų Lietuvos socialinė istorija; Tarybų Lietuvos visuomenė; Vėlyvasis socializmas; Censorship; Indoctrination; Late socialism; Lithuanian Union of Writers; Social history of Soviet Lithuania; Society of Soviet Lithuania; Writers.

ENWriters were among the most publicly recognised intellectuals in the USSR. They actively participated in indoctrination practices that reflected strict mechanisms of control and censorship and provided prestige and authority in society. This article analyses how local writers in Lithuania who were part of the establishment during late socialism developed a multi-faceted relationship with the system. The perspective of different generations reveals the rise of ethnic (local) interests and the disconnection of everyday life from official goals. It also shows that writers who worked in official channels reduced their participation in indoctrination processes and significantly influenced the mobilisation of national identity. [From the publication]